Shropshire charity launches children's therapy mission

A Shropshire children's charity has launched an ambitious fundraising and treatment mission as it marks 30 years of service.

The Movement Centre in Oswestry is behind the '30 for 30' campaign; the team hopes to win the backing of 30 different businesses, organisations, groups or individuals who will each fundraise and donate £1,500.

It said the total sum of £45,000 would ensure every child currently on its waiting list for 'targeted training' physiotherapy would receive the specialist equipment they needed to begin their journey to independence.

Each of the £1,500 donated cash pots would fund a standing frame for a youngster. The first people to back the fundraising mission and launch the fund with a £1,500 donation are Nigel West and his family who own Fiveways Insurance Group in Newport and Stafford.

The family has already seen the impact the physiotherapy can have after their godson Jacob completed the programme at the centre when he was four years old.

They have given an additional £500 to fund the refurbishment of two further standing frames.

Jacob, who is now 20 years old and a supporter of the charity, attributes his physical strength and level of independence to The Movement Centre physiotherapy programme.

Nigel, who runs Fiveways Insurance with his wife Lisa and son Dan, said: "When we heard there were 30 children patiently waiting to access the brilliant targeted training physiotherapy programme at The Movement Centre, we knew we wanted to help.

"Every day a young child is forced to wait for this life-changing programme which means they are losing precious time when they could be making a real difference to their mobility.

"We have seen the difference made to Jacob and his family and want others to enjoy the same success."

Percy Whitehead, a three-year-old boy from Scarborough, helped to launch the 30 for 30 mission at the centre in Oswestry where he receives treatment.

Mum Sarah Wilkinson said: "The team has been wonderful for Percy. His development has been incredible and I can honestly say he wouldn't be where he is without them.

"The standing frames they provide challenge Percy beyond anything that the NHS ones do and the progress he has made is testament to the team and the support they give."

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The Movement Centre, which is based on the same site as the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital in Gobowen, receives no NHS or government funding.

Chief executive Helen Knight added: "We've reached a point whereby there are many children who could benefit from our therapy but we simply don't have the resources to help them.

"Our supporters have the power to transform 30 lives right now. Whether through corporate CSR programmes, workplace challenges, team away days or community fundraising, raising £1,500 directly changes a child's life trajectory.

"It would be amazing if we could say 'we've raised £45,000' before Christmas and give each of the 30 families on the waiting list an early Christmas present."

Head of fundraising Claire Snape said: "Every standing frame funded by a supporter enables one child to come off the waiting list and begin therapy during the crucial early years of development.

"Early intervention is vital for children with movement disabilities. Delays in accessing specialist therapy can mean missed opportunities to develop strength, balance and independence during critical stages of growth."

To find out more about the fundraising campaign email [email protected] or call 01691 404248. An official launch event is also being held at The Movement Centre on Wednesday September 30 - visit Eventbrite for more details.