This year will be the 25th year that Bill Hawkins has remained in bed unable to move, talk or walk. Bill Hawkins was just 19 when a terrible car accident left him with a condition known as 'locked-in syndrome'. He is now 43. Bill is aware of what is going on around him, but can't walk, talk or move. Lindy and Jim Hawkins actively chose to change every aspect of their life to ensure Bill’s health and future. The enormity of the change cannot be underestimated – from having to book appointments weeks in advance, to installing lifting aids throughout the house, to having health professionals and nurses visit the house at all hours of the day. Bill day starts early in the morning with a shower by nurses, and then he has a shave and possible a haircut if it is needed. After this he is fed through a gastrostomy feeding tube which is located on the side of his abdomen. Meals are prepared in the kitchen but a specially formed concoction of nutrients that can sucked up into a syringe. Most days he will work with volunteers from 10 am for two hours. They move his body around assisting to stretch his limbs in an effort to maintain the muscle tone.
