News Release

 Dashing Santas get set to raise money for children's charity Brainwave

In the heart of London something is stirring as people get ready to don Santa suits and...a pair of running shoes! Preparation is under way for the Brainwave Santa Dash when hundreds of Santas will be running through the streets of Central London on the evening of 10 December to raise funds for children's charity Brainwave.

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 skills, they are empowered to actively participate in their child's development.

Suited Santas will set off from Old Spitalfields Market, race around the 5K circular route and return to the finishing line for a celebratory Christmas drink and nibbles. Prizes will be given for those teams who finish fastest, raise the most money and also for the fastest individual.

Brainwave Fundraising Co-ordinator, Lauren Scott, said "The money raised from the Brainwave Santa Dash will be used to enable many more children to reach their full potential and benefit from the support they are given at the Brainwave Centre here at the Greater London Centre in Essex.

Tickets are: £25 for an individual, £20 per person for teams of 4+ or £15 per person for teams of 10; these include the Santa suit (Jacket, trousers, belt, beard and hat!). Brainwave is encouraging each participant to raise money online via Just Giving or through paper sponsorship forms. More info:http://www.brainwave.org.uk/events/south-east-events/south-east-santa-dash/

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (Please note that Santa suits are only available in adult size).

To find out more please contact Lauren Scott 0787 254 8450,laurenscott@brainwave.org.ukor find the event on twitter #BrainwaveSantaDash

Brainwave has three Centres including the South East Centre in Witham, Essex and two further Centres in Birchwood, Cheshire and in Bridgwater, Somerset 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.

Oct 2013 (BW 104)