Shropshire Gift Appeal: Centre makes the impossible possible

But unless you have had cause to use its services, the chances are you have never heard of it. The independent charity, based in the grounds of the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, now treats about 60 children a year using its ground-breaking therapies, making the impossible possible. And sometimes the adults are overcome with emotion too.

New gifts for both the young and the elderly can be dropped off at collection points at the Shropshire Star head office at Ketley Business Park, Waterloo Road, Telford, or at Storage King in Archers Way, Battlefield Enterprise Park Storage. Both locations have ample parking.

There are further collection points at the Shropshire Star office in Bellstone, Shrewsbury, and at the Southwater One building in Telford town centre.

When Rowan took his first steps at a family party three years ago, his grandmother burst into tears. The boy, who was just shy of his third birthday, had packed more trauma into those few short years than many do in a lifetime.

Born 10 weeks premature in 2010, he suffered from several health issues, including a lower limb deficiency which meant his left leg had not formed properly that he would never be able to walk with it.

"This, along with his other health issues meant that for his first year he was just like a newborn baby," said his grandmother.

"He couldn't sit up on his own, or roll onto his front. In May 2012 Rowan had his left leg amputated through the knee and in August 2012 he was fitted with his first prosthetic leg. His physio suggested that we apply to The Movement Centre in Oswestry for specialist help in strengthening his upper body, and just seven months later he took his first steps.

"We were at a family party, and Rowan was watching the other children running round and playing in a sea of balloons," she recalls. "And he set off walking towards them all on his own. 'I did it!', he said. I cried."

And this Christmas you too can make life better for these children by donating to our Gift Appeal.

The Movement Centre is one of 11 charities to benefit from this year's appeal, which is being organised by the Shropshire Star and our friends at Storage King in Shrewsbury.

The appeal aims to bring Christmas cheer to children and the elderly who might be finding life difficult at Christmas by giving them gifts that Star readers have kindly donated.

Movement Centre fundraising manager Vicky Handbury-Maiden said any donations of toys would bring much joy to the children who used the centre. "Most of the children we care for have cerebral palsy or some other disability of that nature, so sensory toys, toys that make a sound, that have lights or are colourful are ideal," she said.

"Our children are all aged two to 11, but most of them are below the age of five. Any toys that people give will be brilliant, either to give them as presents, or for them to come and play with at the centre."

The centre uses a special form of therapy known as Targeted Training, which draws on specialist physiotherapy and bioengineering techniques.

Since it was formed in 1996, the charity has helped more than 500 children, and a course of therapy can help them gain essential functional skills and lead far more independent lives.

Across the UK up to 2,500 children are born each year with movement problems that could be helped by the charity.

"We are trying to raise awareness of what we do so that we can help more children," says Vicky, who joined the charity a year ago. This year the Gift Appeal is supporting a total of 11 charities, also including Hope House Children's Hospice, The Harry Johnson Trust, Age UK, Telford & Wrekin Young Carers, and Telford & Wrekin Home-Start. North Shrewsbury Friendly Neighbour scheme, Telford's Princess Royal Hospital, Parents Opening Doors and Telford & Wrekin children's services will also benefit, along with the Little Rascals Foundation for children with learning disabilities. We are looking for toys and gifts for youngsters of all ages, as well as presents suitable for older people who can feel isolated at Christmas.

Please drop them off at our collection points at the Shropshire Star head office at Ketley Business Park, Waterloo Road, Telford, or Storage King in Archers Way, Shrewsbury. Alternatively, there is a collection point at Southwater One in Telford town centre, and at the Shropshire Star office in Bellstone, Shrewsbury.