Having to deal with the impact of Multiple Sclerosis on his daily life is not stopping musician Tom Flynn from being stylish, through to his home’s fixtures and fittings.
The 6ft tall singer songwriter from Warwickshire, and former member of the Grammy- nominated band The Heys, has a Closomat Palma Vita wash and dry toilet in his annex of bedroom and wetroom, created by converting the garage at his parent’s house.
To future-proof for Tom’s changing needs, the Closomat has been fitted with a 50mm plinth, to help him sit comfortably despite his height, and a touch sensitive hand switch, so he will still be able to operate its functions on his own, once his manual strength fades.
“I may be limited in what I can do, but I’m not blind and I want style! I don’t want my room to look like a hospital,” he says. “Independence is key. The Closomat means I can go to the toilet without having to call my parents to help. The Closomat has other advantages too: I can use the spray action to help stimulate bowel movement.”
Tom’s MS began seriously impacting on his life whilst on tour in the States with the 1960s beat/soul inspired band a decade ago. He reckons, with the benefit of hindsight, it was affecting him as long ago as 1996. The 46 years-old still writes, sings, makes music and directs.
“In the end, you have to keep going, and try and keep your independence. The Closomat makes a big difference: I don’t want someone having to wipe my a****,” adds Tom.
