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Matt 'Mancuso' Smith's Fundraising Page

matt smith is raising money for The National Bobath Cerebral Palsy Centre

Participants: 'Team Rhys' is Matt. Mitch, Pete & G

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Flora London Marathon 2009 · 26 April 2009 ·

The Bobath Centre is world-renowned for the life-long support of people of all ages with cerebral palsy and similar neurological conditions. Our highly trained team of therapists have a focused and deep understanding of cerebral palsy and we offer a tailored therapy program to each person we see.

Story

This year I'm running the London Marathon for a place called The Bobath Centre for Children With Cerebral Palsy.

A couple of years ago my friends G and Sally had their first child Rhys. Rhys was born 3 months prematurely and as is often the case with very premature babies there have been a few complications.

Rhys was diagnosed as deaf and also has Cerebral Palsy.

CP is really an injury to the young brain. It can cause muscles to be stiff (like Rhys' legs), floppy, or cause involuntary movements - or a combination of all 3.

It can range from people who have a limp through to people who need support for every movement including swallowing.

Rhys' parents were told that it was 50/50 as to whether he would walk independently due to the stiffness in his legs.

The physiotherapists at the Bobath centre work to reduce the stiffness in Rhys legs and help him develop good quality movement and control of his body.

With their help we're tipping the odds in Rhys' favour and his parents hope that one day Rhys will walk independently.

Now, if you put all that to one side Rhys is getting on well, is ridiculously happy and has 2 very proud parents.

See the attached clip of Rhys at home practising kicking a ball.

Now I know that everyone is feeling the pinch right now but I urge you to try make a sacrifice to free up some cash and donate to the Bobath Centre.

Tick the Gift Aid box as you donate and the tax man will boost your donation by 28%.

Donation summary

Total
£1,618.38
+ £333.77 Gift Aid
Online
£1,618.38
Offline
£0.00

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