News Release

How Olly Murs TV Deal or No Deal helped Cornish family find the help they needed for four year old Phoebe

A TV programme featuring Brainwave patron and singer Olly Murs raising money for the charity helped a Cornish family who felt there was nowhere else to turn when their daughter was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at just 18 months old.

Helston-based Mum Maria Bury explains, "Phoebe was born early at 29 weeks and weighing just 1lb 14oz she was no bigger than a bag of sugar. At first she appeared to do really well but after four weeks she developed two infections that led to brain damage.

"There didn't really seem to be a lot that the health authorities could do for her and it was thanks to a popular TV programme, "Deal or No Deal" which featured Olly Murs trying to win money for his charity Brainwave that we became aware of the charity."

Brainwave works with families to deliver individual, home-based therapy and exercises for children with disabilities and Development Delay to help them reach their full potential. This can be anything from walking to feeding themselves. By working with parents, giving them relevant therapy equipment and teaching them correct handling skills, they are empowered to actively participate in their child's development.

The family took Phoebe to the Brainwave Centre in Somerset where she had a two day assessment and the family were given a Programme of exercises to carry out with Phoebe at home. Maria says, "It was really good to have two dedicated days during which the team at Brainwave looked at Phoebe as a whole instead of just looking at parts of her. They explained everything to us and they concentrated on what she can do rather than what she can't. We learned more about her condition than ever before."

Phoebe has been back to Brainwave twice and is making good progress. Maria says, "She is coming along really well. She is now able to kneel on all fours plus her standing is improving. Also her communication has come on really well and she is starting to sign."

Maria is so impressed with Brainwave that she is running her own fundraising initiative, a Vegas Night on 27 July at the Goldophin Club Helston. Tickets will be available from the Club (Tel: 01326 573282) and Helston Day Nursery at just £10.

Brainwave has three Centres including the South West Centre in Bridgwater, Somerset and two further Centres in Birchwood, Cheshire and in Witham, Essex as well as satellite clinics in Ireland and Scotland so that families can access Brainwave wherever they are based in the UK.

Places on the Programme are available for children at all three Centres. For more information seewww.brainwave.org.uk; email:enquiries@brainwave.org.ukor phone: 01278 429089.

Contact: Press information: Jane Adkins, Tel: 01935 813114 or email:jane@aheadforpr.co.uk

Editor's notes

1. Brainwave's team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists development therapists and teachers seek to transform the lives of children with disabilities. By working with parents, giving them relevant therapy equipment and teaching them correct handling skills, they are empowered to actively participate in their child's development.

2. Families are invited to the Centre for a two day Initial Assessment where the child is assessed and a Programme designed for the child. On the second day the family are shown how to undertake the exercises, which they then carry out at home, returning to the Centre every 4-6 months when the exercises are adjusted.

3. Brainwave was set up in 1982 and moved into the Centre in Huntworth Gate, Bridgwater in 1986. This Centre operates as the Charity's head office.

4. The Greater London Centre is located in Witham, Essex.

5. Brainwave currently has over 550 families on Programme nationally.

6. See the charity's videos athttp://uk.youtube.com/BrainwaveCentre.

7. Brainwave uses mainstream neuroplasticity techniques in its Programmes. Most of its therapists are NHS trained.

8. Brainwave's President is HRH The Countess of WessexGCVO.

July 2013 (BW 99)