Spring is here and I have fallen into a very unexpected adventure. In 12 months my wonderful full-time, full-on job may or may not end and I have to think about my next steps. For 5 years my fall-back plan is to use my Mountain Leader qualification to supplement my pension, I like the idea of being a freelance “professional mountaineer”, a magazine with this title pops through my door every so often, as if to remind me of my dream. So far the “day job” in social care has continued, exciting, secure and well-paid, every week I hear about the minor miracles in which I have paid a small role. Ian has started to support David, a man with Parkinson’s who hasn’t been out without his wife, Julia, for 2 years. Things have moved on, this week, Julia, has felt able to go away on holiday whilst David is in respite care. Ian will advocate for David and ensure that he has his medication and the time which gives him his best chance of freedom from pain and allows him to move more easily; this ...