Client feedback

Before Targeted Training, Charlotte could be placed in a sitting position but was too unstable to reach out and explore with her hands (she would sit in a frog-like position with both hands resting on her thighs for balance). Because Charlotte was unable to sit herself up she would aspirate constantly due to severe reflux. As a consequence, she suffered repeated chest infections which hindered her development. She had poor muscle tone and her posture began to cause curvature of the spine.

What a difference a year of Targeted Training makes! Charlotte can now sit herself up completely unaided, shuffle around on her bottom from room to room looking for toys, especially her big purple bean bag. Her spine is straight, she can stand solidly, she practises her kneeling and even walks with a rollator. Her health is now improving. She has more stamina and is a totally different child and we are extremely proud of her.

But at the age of 10 months Evie still could not sit upright unaided. We were referred to a Paediatrician to offer reassurance and put our mind at rest that Evie was ‘fine’. That day at the initial consultation our whole world fell apart in an instant. The Paediatrician told us she believed Evie had cerebral palsy. The next few days and weeks merged into one emotional rollercoaster of ‘whys?, upset, denial, anger and a whole host of other feelings we are sure so many parents in similar circumstances have experienced. As a family, we wondered what our future would hold.

In the months that followed, Evie continued to make slow but steady progress and began attending a fantastic cerebral palsy nursery school in Stafford called Greenhall. It was here, in partnership with Evie’s home physiotherapist Christina that we were introduced to The Movement Centre and their wonderful staff. What can we say except………. Evie has never looked back!!!

From the moment of Evie’s initial assessment over a year ago to the present day, the staff at the Centre have never failed to amaze us. There is always a huge smile and a hot cup of coffee waiting to greet us. We look forward to our visits so much where we can share our excitement with Sarah and Lynne when Evie has something new to show them – like kneeling up tall, sitting on the floor legs stretched out or even her new ‘Froggy Noises’!! Although daunting at first, the ‘standing frame’ is a bit like one of the family now too! Evie has decorated it with sparkling stickers and loves to try out her new dance moves in it during Targeted Training sessions.

We have watched Evie develop quite simply into a beautiful, vibrant, confident child who lights up the room with her smile and contagious giggles. She showers others with love and affection and shows such determination beyond her years that we could never begin to thank The Movement Centre enough for all their dedication, hard work and belief that they have shown Evie and us.

Evie can now sit independently, roll over, crawl, climb stairs, cruise around furniture and is learning to walk with tripod sticks. She really is living proof of the success of The Movement Centre and all its staff have to offer….. For to see your three and a half year old child walk 12 steps unaided for the very first time is a truly magical experience….and to say thank you is simply….not enough.