One of FitzRoy’s earliest residents celebrates her 70th birthday

As Phillippa celebrates her 70th birthday, we’re also celebrating her unique place in FitzRoy’s history.

Phillippa was one of the first children supported by our founder, Elizabeth FitzRoy, and has been part of the FitzRoy community since she was around six years old.

At a time when many families were told their disabled children would be better off living away from family and community life, Elizabeth believed there should be another way. As one of the first children she supported, Phillippa’s story has been intertwined with FitzRoy’s history for more than six decades.

To mark the occasion, we spoke to her sister Caroline and two members of her team who have known her for many years, support workers Veronica and Debbie.

A home for life

Phillippa came to FitzRoy’s Surrey home as a child and has remained part of the same community throughout her life.

“I think it’s been brilliant because from our point of view, it’s knowing that she is being so well looked after. We’ve always felt that she’d be much happier in an environment with other people and that’s proved to be the case.

“We’ve always been very grateful for the support that all the staff at FitzRoy have given us. They’ve always been so supportive, and we felt really, really happy that that’s where she is and that she’s been able to stay there all her life.

It’s just like a family really. The staff there are just second to none. They really are.

One tradition has never changed. Every Sunday at 6pm, Caroline calls her sister, continuing a routine started by their mum many years ago. Phillippa always knows when the call is coming and excitedly tells everyone, “It’s my sister, it’s my sister.”

Growing up and doing things her own way

Veronica and Debbie seen Phillippa’s strong personality throughout the years. She says: “She’s an absolute joy. She knows what she wants and she isn’t afraid to let you know.”

Veronica has seen a lot change during her 20 years at FitzRoy, including how support has changed. Over the years, support has evolved to focus more on people’s choice, participation and doing things with rather than for them.

When a new home was built on the same site, Phillippa and her housemates were able to watch it take shape and share their views on how it should look. Everyday life became more centred around their choice and involvement, whether spending time in the kitchen helping prepare meals or deciding how to spend their day.

Debbie also remembers Phillippa’s love of days out, discos and shopping whether it’s a new bag or pair of shoes. She recalls how Phillippa always wanted to fill her shopping basket to the brim, picking out things for herself as well as bits for the house and her love of shopping hasn’t faded over the years!

Friendships, holidays and favourite things

The friendships Phillippa has made over the years have been a big part of her life. She shared particularly close friendships with Katie and Peter who were part of her life for many years.

Veronica remembers taking Katie and Phillippa on holiday to Butlin’s in Bognor. Holidays have always been something Phillippa loves, especially trips to the Isle of Wight. Caroline remembers how much she enjoys the ferry journey and an ice cream on the beach. She also loves music, particularly ABBA.

As Phillippa has grown older, some things have stayed the same – enjoying time with friends, enjoying everyday activities and staying connected to her family.

For Caroline, that continuity has been especially important. Phillippa has been able to remain in a place where people know her well, through changes in her life, including the sad loss of Katie and other people close to her.

Celebrating Phillippa at 70

When Caroline reflects on Phillippa’s life at FitzRoy, she comes back to the same thing. The reassurance that she knows her sister is happy, and loved.

To mark her birthday, FitzRoy CEO Angela Murphy visited Phillippa with flowers and joined the celebrations.

“To think she has been living at Donec for 64 years is incredible. I got to meet her sister, who remembers Elizabeth FitzRoy and her son Michael very well.”

As Phillippa turns 70, we’re celebrating a life filled with friendships, family, favourite holidays and countless memories. Most of all, we’re celebrating Phillippa herself! Determined, affectionate, full of character and an important part of FitzRoy’s story.