New Book by Building for the Future CEO Gives Powerful Insight into Life Raising a Disabled Child

Jane Holmes, CEO of Building for the Future, has written Extreme Parenting - a deeply personal and thought-provoking book about raising her daughter Kitty, now 24, who has Cerebral Palsy.

Part memoir, part call for change, the book offers an honest account of the realities faced by families raising disabled children in the UK. Through her own experiences, Jane shines a light on the challenges, battles and resilience that often remain hidden from public view.

Why Jane Wrote the Book

For Jane, writing the book was driven by a desire to tell the truth about life as a parent of a disabled child.

"People need to know what it's really like," she says. "The constant fighting, the hoops we have to jump through, and the pressure the system places on families. We don't get anything handed to us on a plate and we certainly don't get handed freebies."

Jane is increasingly concerned by what she sees as a growing tendency to blame disabled people – including children – for the country's financial difficulties.

"From strangers online to senior council officials, I see negative attitudes towards disabled people every day. It's outrageous, and I wanted to challenge those narratives with the reality."

The book also holds personal significance. Following the deaths of both her parents within a short period of time, Jane felt compelled to put her experiences into words. Encouraged for many years by her parents to write a book, she sees it as a tribute to their memory as well as a reflection on her family's journey.

Why People Should Read It

Jane hopes the book will help readers move beyond misconceptions and gain a genuine understanding of the lives of disabled children and their families.

"I want people to hear the truth first-hand, rather than through distorted narratives," she explains. "Disabled children have immense value in our communities, and it's important that their worth is recognised."

By sharing her family's story, Jane hopes to encourage greater understanding, empathy and awareness of the changes that are needed to create a more inclusive society.

The book will resonate with parents, carers, professionals and anyone interested in disability rights and social justice. Above all, it is a story about determination, love, hope and the strength of family.

Supporting Building for the Future

In a generous gesture, Jane has chosen to donate all profits from the book to Building for the Future.

"The book belongs to the children behind the charity," she says. "Without them, there would be no charity and no story."

The timing is particularly significant as Building for the Future prepares to open The Ability Hub - its new SEND community centre, making fundraising more important than ever.

"Although I wrote the book about my daughter, it is really a gift to all children and all parents who have experienced similar battles, fears, exhaustion, pain and hope. Donating the profits to the charity was a complete no-brainer."

Every purchase will therefore help support Building for the Future's work with disabled children and young people, while also helping to create a brighter future for families across our community.

Extreme Parenting is available on Amazon