This is my Baby girl, Matilda who is currently 7 months old from Sittingbourne in Kent. She has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Dystonia.

Matilda arrived 4 weeks early, weighing only 4lb 6, and since birth has faced many challenges.

After a long journey of hospital visits, tests and appointments with specialists, it was discovered that Matilda suffered a bleed on the brain, leading to significant white matter damage. This damage has now resulted in a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy and dystonia.

Physiotherapy gives Matilda the best chance at improving her motor skills, which is something she struggles with due to her diagnosis. She is currently undergoing both NHS and private treatments. Early intervention is so important while doing frequent and intensive therapy sessions is vital. This unfortunately comes at a high cost. NHS services are limited and cannot provide the level of intensity Matilda urgently needs, so I take her to additional private sessions to ensure she gets the best support possible.

For perspective, 10 sessions of private physiotherapy comes to £1000. DMI Conductive Education is £600 for 10 sessions and on top of this, an intensive therapy CME session per month costs £340. This doesn’t factor in fuel, physio equipment needed, parking charges and other travel expenses.

It is not affordable even with myself and my husband being on a full time wage, let alone me being on maternity leave. Being a parent, you will do anything to give your child the best chance and give them the life that they deserve.

This campaign will help immensely with the cost of her private physiotherapy sessions, conductive education, DMI, and the intensive monthly sessions. It will also help with any specialist equipment needed as she grows. All funds raised will contribute to all of these things for Matilda that she needs.

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