Funding 4 Imogen - providing help for a little girl to walk
Raised so far: £2500
Imogen Driscoll is a charming child who has just turned 4 years of age. After being diagnosed
with Cerebral Palsy at birth, Imogen has faced a constant battle to live the
life of a normal child. Not being able to walk, and the accompanying
lack of independence, is a frightening prospect for anyone, old or young,
and Imogen fights a daily battle in order to strengthen her muscles
so that she will eventually be able to walk.Imogen lives with her parents, Stewart and Sian in Lancing, West Sussex. Both Sian and Stewart are frantically trying to assist their daughter by raising much needed funds so that Imogen can under go treatment that will improve her chances of one day being able to walk unaided.
However, this treatment does not come cheap as it is not funded by the NHS so you can imagine the amount of fund raising that is required... One three week course costs £1800 and when you add in the cost of accommodation for Imogen and her family, total cost is around £3000 for the course. Through this website we hope to be able to raise £5000 towards the Spider Therapy which is so valuable for Imogen's development.
"Spider" therapy at the Footsteps training course
So what does a 3 week course of treatment consist of? The "footsteps" centre in Oxfordshire provide a 3 week long course of therapy which usually compromises 3 hours daily therapy, 5 days a week. A programme of this length has proved to be the optimum time for children to gain maximum benefit.Aiming to enhance and improve physical development, as well as build confidence; both of which often positively affect speech and cognitive capabilities, the sessions are completely individual and child orientated. Using a Hungarian method named "The Spider Therapy" Imogen is linked up to a series of ropes and bungees that hold her body upright whilst therapists encourage her to walk unaided.
For more information see The Footsteps Website.
Whilst these sessions can be physically and mentally tough on the children,
they are completely drug free and can therefore be attended as many times a
year as the child's carers can afford.This is where we can all come in and support Imogen and her family, by providing them with funds to ensure regular sessions can be attended.
Lancing United Football Team
In order to boost publicity and encourage other local businesses to become involved in "Funding for Imogen", Lancing United FC have built a unique partnership with Imogen and her family by advertising her cause on the front of their football shirts and training kit for the forth coming seasons.
Unlike other teams that seek a sponsor, Lancing United have purchased their
own kit and designed a "Funding for Imogen" logo that is emblazoned all over
their kit and website. (This website is designed in the colours of Lancing
United.) Their action is already generating a great deal of interest
from local businesses and individuals and hopefully as a community, and
with your help, we will be able to ensure that Imogen has the best chance of
walking unaided over the next few years.