Day One
Mike enjoyed the long journey to Butlins, Skegness. This was mainly because he loved having the music on and the staff singing along, and because the staff got lost! Once we arrived in Skegness we went sightseeing; Mike enjoyed all the lights in the town centre and visiting the sea front. We went back to the campsite and got ready to go out. Mike loved the loud music and the excitement of the staff running around. When we went out Mike became very excited by all the music, lights and the atmosphere of the crowd. We got back to the accommodation at 1am and Mike was still full of life.
Day Two
Mike woke up at 8:30am with a big grin on his face, smiling and fuffing.* Mike got up willing to go outside on the veranda and have his morning coffee. We then got ready and went to a large market that is well known in Skegness. Mike enjoyed browsing the stall and the big crowds of people. We then went back to the campsite and went to the swimming pool; Mike particularly enjoys swimming because he likes the squirting pumps. We then went back to the accommodation to get changed ready for dinner at a pub on the sea front.
Mike liked the sea front lights which you could see from the balcony of the pub. Mike really enjoyed his dinner and dessert as he was fuffing and smiling. We then returned to the campsite and went out to the clubs and pubs. Mike particularly enjoyed the 70′s disco and seeing everyone dressed up in their costumes. Mike made a lot of friends – had a lot of people come and talk to him and ask to dance with him. Often Mike doesn’t communicate with members of the public so it was nice to see him communicating and interacting with lots of different people. Mike didn’t want to go back to the accommodation until 3:30am!
Day Three
Mike went to the launderette first thing on Sunday morning. He didn’t seem to pay much attention to this activity due to having a seizure early Sunday morning. After this we went and had fish and chips along the sea front and this appeared to perk him up. We then went to the theme park ‘Fantasy Island’ where we stayed until early evening. Mike thoroughly enjoyed the rollercoasters of all sizes and went on lots of rides. That evening we had a meal in the pizza restaurant and just chilled out in our accommodation.
Day Four
We left Monday morning and returned home with Mike still laughing, smiling and fuffing.* Both staff members agreed that they saw a different side to Mike. We have never seen him smile so much, as this happened loads during the holiday. Mike doesn’t tend to eat very much at home but on holiday Mike ate three or more meals everyday.
We didn’t have any problems with Mike’s behaviour and he made staff feel that they were able to understand him better as his communication was fantastic throughout the whole weekend. Mike appeared to be especially enjoying being in a different environment and taking part in new activities.
*Fuffing describes a noise which Mike makes went he is enjoying himself or excited.
