Published on: 28/05/19
Charlie Fogarty MBE returned to The Children’s Trust last week – the rehabilitation centre that helped him walk and talk again after an accident left him with a severe brain injury.
The visit marked the launch of The Children’s Trust’s Tiny Massive Moments campaign, which is showing how public donations help ensure rehabilitation is fun so that children make the most progress.
Charlie, 23, from Solihull, took part in a special sports session with youngsters undergoing brain injury rehabilitation, and shared his experiences since leaving the centre explaining that ‘you can’t change the past, but you can change the future.’
Charlie was admitted to The Children’s Trust in 2012 after he was hit by a car, leaving him with a severe brain injury. The intensive rehabilitation that he received enabled him to walk and talk again. Charlie has since set up and become the Player Manager of the Disability Team at Solihull Moors Football Club and delivers motivational talks to young footballers.
Charlie was joined by Paralympic athlete Ryan Raghoo and Jean Mathews, Patron of Sir Stanley Matthews Coaching Foundation, which provides specialist coaches to work with the children.
Sharon Tuppeny, Head of Therapy Rehabilitation at The Children’s Trust said: “We were thrilled to welcome Charlie back to take part in our sessions. Whether it’s as a result of an accident or illness, brain injury can be devastating for a child where they are unable to stand, walk, or even hold their head up.
“Children make the most progress when rehabilitation is fun and engaging so we tune into this by incorporating activities such as football into the sessions. It was a really inspiring day for the children and young people.”
Charlie Fogarty MBE said: “The Children’s Trust is where I had my rehabilitation after my accident and it was thanks to them that I am here today. It was fantastic to share my story with the children and young people at the football session and hopefully inspire others that anything is possible. Seeing them having fun during rehabilitation is so important, it’s something that I’ll take with me and I look forward to visiting again soon.”
Every year over 40,000 children in the UK are left with a brain injury as a result of an accident or illness. The Children's Trust's Tiny Massive Moments campaign is showing how tiny steps lead to massive moments.
