The work of a Watford-based cerebral palsy charity is so vital to one family that they travel nearly an hour to access its services.
Marlon Van Grevelynghe, aged 2, was diagnosed with the condition last year.
The toddler's family struggled to find services that supported his development where they live in Leighton Buzzard, so they had to look further afield.
Read More
- Streets left without water due to 'pumping station fault'
- Homes without power after fault on electricity network
His mother Nicola Brassington described how The National Bobath Centre for Cerebral Palsy, which provides physical therapy, has helped Marlon’s development.
She said: “The equipment that they have, the skillset their practitioners have; their support has been incredible.
“Every session that we had with them has probably been three or four times more valuable than what we have had through the NHS.”
Marlon’s development has improved since he attended physiotherapy sessions with the charity since last October.
Nicola, 37, said: “He really looks forward to going.
“And they manage the session in a productive way whereby it’s not a physio treatment, it’s a fun play session.
“He is always gaining new skills.”
Marlon attends a one-hour session a day, for eight days, every quarter.
Services closer to home would be invaluable to Nicola and her husband who make a two-hour round trip for Marlon’s physiotherapy.
The mum of one said: “We have really struggled to access the right services in our area and that’s why we go to Bobath.
“I know I am in a privileged position where I have flexible working hours and can travel and my husband and I can pay, but not everyone has that.”
Sessions at Bobath are means tested, but not all families across England necessarily have access to this option.
To make access easier for people with cerebral palsy the charity has launched a petition calling for the Government to provide free specialist therapy for people living with the condition.
A spokesperson from The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it is committed to helping people with cerebral palsy.
The DHSC added: “We’ve set out principles to guide the transition of young people with cerebral palsy into adulthood in health, social care and education systems, helping to improve outcomes and reduce health inequalities.”
An investment of 1.3 billion will be made in employment to support disable people in work over the next three years, said the DHSC.
To sign the petition, click here https://www.change.org/p/free-specialist-therapy-for-people-with-cerebral-palsy-throughout-their-lives.
Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.
To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.
Check out our Watford crime and court Facebook page here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here