Tribute by Jane Aslaug

Getting to know John in the end of 1979 - while working at LeCourt, where John lived at the time - changed my perspective of life. I experienced how it is possible to live life being true to personal values and staying authentic despite severe physical disability. That learning has stayed with me ever since.

In 1981 John asked me to join him on his American trip - visiting 4 CIL's in 4 different states looking into independent living in the US. The trip revealed all the possibilities for living an independent life - and John saw his chances for making his dream come true. We were close for a long time while I was living in the UK - when I moved back to Denmark I kept following John's work and we stayed in touch over the years.

I knew John as a powerful person who kept fighting for his rights to have a life chosen by himself - throughout his entire life. He was grounded by Welsh spirit and was always curious about other cultures and ways of life – very inspiring indeed. He was forced to change his own way of life at the age of 25 and continued ever since to pour out significant support and hope to a lot of people.

Missed forever - Jane

 

Jane and John in the US, 1981

Jane and John in the US, 1981

Jane and John in the US, 1981

Jane and John in the US, 1981
Jane and John in the US, 1981


 

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