Our gorgeous son Hartley has cerebral palsy. His right arm and hand are particularly affected - making it difficult for him do things requiring two hands - building lego, opening ice lolly wrappers, riding a scooter - important stuff for a 6 year old! Three years ago, we found Ability Therapies in Essex, who offer CIMT (constraint induced movement therapy) which means sealing his left hand in a cast and doing intensive physio with his right hand. This is the best proven treatment to help children with CP regain the use of their affected limb, unfortunately it’s (still) not available on the NHS.

Hartley's CIMT 2

After doing the therapy the last two times we’ve seen a massive improvement in Hartley. We want to do one more month long block to help him gain the maximum potential of use of his hand and arm, whilst his young brain is still developing. We are hopeful this might be the last time he has to do the therapy which will set him up with the best chance of having a functional hand for the rest of his life. We are going to do cold water dips (Barry Island - Jan/Feb) to find sponsors and raise the funds.

We know it’s a difficult time for everyone, so please don’t worry if you can’t help right now or give over-generously. This will make a huge difference to Hartley now and in the future are we are so grateful for all the help and support that we get, financial or otherwise and Harts says a huge Welsh cheesy “Hiya!'