News Release

Cricket fans following England's current progress in the 2013 Ashes will soon have the opportunity to spend an evening in the company of one of England's greatest cricketers and the new President of the MCC as well as lending support to a children's charity at the same time.

Former England Cricket Captain, Mike Gatting OBE will be joining Somerset-based Brainwave and sponsor Francis Clark Chartered Accountants at the Somerset County Cricket Club on 4 October for an evening of food, fundraising, and cricketing stories. Mike will be just four days into his new role as President of the MCC, the world's most famous cricket club.

Mike played for Middlesex from 1975 until he retired in 1998. At the age of 20, he made his England test debut against Pakistan, and as England's captain, he won a famous victory in the Ashes series of 1986-7. Currently, Mike is Managing Director of Cricket Partnerships at the ECB. Mike was awarded the OBE in 1987.

Sponsor Francis Clark partner Richard Kennedy said: "As a leading firm of Taunton based chartered accountants and business advisers, we are delighted to be supporting such an important Somerset charity as Brainwave and the wonderful work they do for children with a wide range of disabilities throughout the UK.

"We are especially pleased that Mike Gatting is the guest speaker at the Cricket Club as Francis Clark has a long association with Somerset Cricket and the County Ground."

Brainwave works with families to deliver individual, home-based therapy and exercises for children with disabilities and Developmental 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.

There will be a raffle and an auction on the night with lots of exciting prizes. Tickets are priced at £40 per person and tables of 10 are available. Contact: Paul Smith on 01278 726927 orpaulsmith@brainwave.org.uk.

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 telephone 01278 429089.

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 101)