Were you helped by The Children's Trust? We need your help
For almost 40 years, The Children’s Trust in Tadworth, Surrey has helped children with brain injury and neurodisability. Now, the charity is looking to reunite with all those it supported to create an exhibition showcasing their journeys.
‘Shine a Light’ will be a collection of photographs featuring those who have been helped by the charity to lead the best life possible following a brain injury. The collection of images, which highlight key milestones in every child’s journey, will be shown in an online gallery from May 2021, alongside a written account detailing their story. The charity hopes to show them at an event once guidelines permit.
One of the children taking part, is five-year-old Mollie. Mollie received three months of intensive rehabilitation at The Children’s Trust in 2019 following Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, an autoimmune condition that meant the antibodies in Mollie’s blood were attacking her brain and causing swelling. Ceri, Mollie’s mum, comments: “Mollie had to relearn how to hold her head up, sit, roll, crawl, walk, drink and eat again. Mollie can now walk confidently and even run! Her determination inspires us every day to be better people. We can’t wait to see what her future holds.”
Also taking part is 19-year-old Paul who was at The Children’s Trust 10 years ago after he sustained a brain haemorrhage when he was eight years old. Paul’s mum, Karen, says: “When we found out The Children’s Trust wanted to connect with children they helped, we got in touch immediately. They worked on every part of Paul, including his speech, and his physiotherapy, so Paul could learn to play again. Now, we have a happy 19-year-old. We couldn’t have got to this point without their help all those years ago.”
Charly Ralph, Alumni Officer at The Children’s Trust, adds: “We really want to bring together all those who have been supported by The Children’s Trust over our history to create a collection of photographs that show how different it can be for every family. We’d love to reconnect with as many children and young people as possible, so if you’ve accessed our services, or you know of someone that has, please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!”
To find out more information and submit photos, visit: https://www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/shine-light-brain-injury-neurodisability Submissions close on 7 March 2021.
