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Phoebe’s story

In September 2018, three-year-old Phoebe (pictured above) was diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare disease that affects the spinal cord. She spent the following four months in an intensive care unit, on a ventilator and unable to move anything but her left hand.

In February 2019 Phoebe was transferred to The Children's Trust, in Tadworth, Surrey, to undergo an intensive rehabilitation programme. In just eight weeks, Phoebe progressed from sitting independently for short periods, to walking (and even scooting) with support!

It's Phoebe's ambition to be able to go back to ballet class again, and what seemed impossible a few months ago is starting to become a reality.

Phoebe’s parents hope, with daily exercise and focused effort, Phoebe will walk unaided and build up the strength to breathe again for herself.

Why support The Children’s Trust?

Every year 40,000 children in the UK are left with a brain injury as a result of an accident or illness – that’s one child every 15 minutes* – and it can be devastating. They may no longer be able to walk, talk, stand, sit, or feed themselves – sometimes all of these abilities.

At The Children’s Trust, we aim to help rebuild as many of their skills as possible, as well as their self-esteem. By combining music, singing, arts and crafts, day trips and other activities, with therapy, healthcare and education, children do not focus on what they cannot do, they just do it and have fun.

Every penny you donate helps children with brain injury to live their best life. If you can, please help us today - £10 a month, over the course of a year, can help fund a one-to-one therapy session with a brain injury specialist. £25 can help fund a hydrotherapy session for one child as part of their rehabilitation and care programme. We appreciate every gift no matter how large or small.

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 *Figures drawn from NHS England 2013/14 standard contract for paediatric neurosciences: neurorehabilitation