Chrissy and Josh: A Love Story and a Commitment

This year, two of our long-term clients celebrated a milestone many years in the making. Chrissy and Josh, who we have supported through support coordination since 2017, eloped in April. Here is their story.

Where it began

Chrissy and Josh are two of our long-term support coordination clients. They have been with our NSW Regional Coach, Tamara, since 2017, around the time the NDIS was first introduced.

The couple met back in 2008 at a disability day program in Wollongong, and soon became boyfriend and girlfriend. Chrissy lived upstairs in the building where the program was held, and every morning Josh would pick her up and wheel her down to the day program.

They also spent a lot of time together outside of the program, going for walks to the beach with Josh driving Chrissy in her wheelchair. Josh was always happy to help Chrissy with many things, which meant a lot to her.

A life-changing year

In 2013, Josh had a severe accident. Locked out of his unit, he tried to climb down from his balcony, fell, and broke his back. Even though Josh experienced such a dramatic change in his life, he remained positive and always accepted the challenges that came with it.

He spent a year in hospital, and the couple stayed connected through daily video calls, checking in with each other to make sure they were both doing okay.

Chrissy moved to the Northern Rivers at the end of 2013, and they continued their relationship long distance. After a tough year of rehabilitation, Josh decided to move north too. Chrissy was relocating to Byron Bay, so Josh and his mum followed. As Josh’s mum grew up in the area, it felt like a wonderful opportunity to return to her hometown.

Home in Byron Bay

Now, Chrissy and Josh have been living together in their own place in Byron Bay for 12 years. They are close to town and have an amazing support network of family and support staff around them.

A dream come true

It had always been Josh’s dream to get married. This April, their support workers Amy and Jay, who they have known for seven years, took them to Noosa. While they were there, the couple decided to elope.

Amy and Jay led their small commitment ceremony, which included a special song: “Only You Can Love Me This Way” by Keith Urban. Josh had first shared it with Chrissy during his long days in hospital, telling her, “This will be our wedding song one day.”

Even though they have had many ups and downs along the way, Chrissy and Josh believe they will continue to grow together and support one another for the rest of their lives.

Looking for support coordination that helps you live life on your terms? Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help.