My brother, Richard Warnock, who has died aged 31 of pneumonia, was a strong, lively and loving person who loved music and outdoor activities.
Richard was born in Swindon to Roderick, an IT network planner and Mary, (nee Carlisle), a former computer programmer, the youngest of three children. He was profoundly disabled as a result of Apert syndrome, a congenital condition affecting skeletal structure. As a child he underwent a number of serious operations at the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, some to reshape his skull and separate out the digits on his hands. He attended the Brimble Hill and Uplands special schools in his home town.
He was an energetic child who enjoyed swimming, running about, going for walks and riding on various vehicles such as scooters and, later, bikes. As a teenager he liked to go horse-riding. He also danced to music and strummed guitars. He took great pleasure in going on drives and on holiday, and in particular loved to visit the beach.
Richard did not speak, but did understand some speech and developed very effective forms of non-verbal communication, using basic signs and other gestures, as well as body language, facial expressions, eye contact and sounds. He was a strong-willed person who was confident in expressing his desires and preferences. He formed loving bonds throughout his life with his family, teachers, nurses and carers. Richard was capable of expressing great love and affection, had a sense of humour and was mischievous.
His health became more problematic from the age of 14, when he developed severe problems with his spine and spinal cord. He underwent two major and life-saving operations at the Radcliffe with characteristic stoicism. He recovered to a substantial degree, and was after a time able to enjoy an active life again. In his early 20s, Richard moved from our parents’ house to Sandsground care home nearby, and in his mid-20s he was healthy and happy.
Three and a half years ago Richard’s health dramatically deteriorated as a result of his earlier spinal cord problems, but his strong personality remained to the last.
He is survived by his grandmother, Margaret, by Roderick and Mary, by his sisters, Laura and me, and by his niece, Rosalind.
