News Release

Family seeks help from charity Brainwave after pregnancy rash led to unborn baby contracting meningitis which resulted in Cerebral Palsy

When Manchester mum Vickie Birtwistle developed a strange rash during pregnancy she assumed she had been bitten by an insect. What she couldn't have known was that she had contracted HSV-1, the cold sore virus, and that this would cross the placenta and give her unborn child, Lucas, meningitis.

Lucas is celebrating his sixth birthday on 30 July and will take real pride in putting on his Man Utd football strip - seemingly an everyday action but one that holds particular significance for the little boy as the severe fitting which resulted from meningitis led to some damage to his brain and an eventual diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy. Vickie explains that until Lucas visited the charity Brainwave, based in Warrington, he found getting dressed very difficult.

Vickie says, "From the minute we walked in to Brainwave it was astonishing. They immediately understood Lucas and his needs. We spent two days at the Centre and they devised a programme of exercises for us to carry out with Lucas at home. I actually feel like I know Lucas so much better since going to Brainwave - they've made such a difference working on his balance, coordination and speech."

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.

Vickie continues, "Lucas loves going to Brainwave and we carry out his exercises every day, incorporating them into his everyday life. Brainwave is always at the end of the phone whenever we need any help of advice. His school, Alkrington Primary in Middleton, has also been brilliant and listens to what Lucas needs to help him achieve his potential."

Vickie is keen for other people to learn from her experience and also wants to make others aware of Brainwave."Thanks to the exercises, Lucas is now able to put on his own socks and tee-shirt, something that is so important to a six year old. Brainwave has really made such a difference and Lucas would be a different little boy if he had not gone there. It's such a small charity but one that makes such a huge difference to people's lives - they're brilliant."

Brainwave has three Centres including the North West Centre in Birchwood and two further Centres in Bridgwater, Somerset 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 100)