Thank you for visiting my Just Giving Page.

Early in September 2016 I had to cancel the September- November training opportunity only a few days before it was due to commence due to being diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Now in July 2017 my interest in the DUENDE Training Course remains just as strong as I reflect on the experience of the past year, the future and returning to work in due course. The Course is being held again September- November 2017. I am continuing my recovery after the long course of Chemotherapy Treatment and still adjusting to the reality of needing to remain on medication in the long term.

Therapeutically, DUENDE is a holistic training for body and mind. The work can be described as psychophysical treating mental and physical development as inter-related. I am grateful for the principles of training that I have learned from working with DUENDE, together with my practice of the Buddha Dharma, which both informed how I have approached and managed the obstacles of the past year. I believe further training of this kind with DUENDE will enable me to process and integrate the experiences of the past year. My hope is that it will promote physical, mental and emotional healing and help me move beyond this year and rebuild my confidence moving forward.

All the experience with DUENDE to date has given me the confidence and encouragement to transfer some of the learning into my Physiotherapy practice. In one instance using movement to music with a patient who has a brain injury had a positive outcome. This young woman was motivated to be able to mobilise independently with confidence. She put a lot of effort into practicing the more traditional physiotherapy exercises given but would often become frustrated at the pace of progress. Introducing movement with music helped promote relaxation, lightness, playfulness and fun. This translated into more effortless, fluid and balanced movement and encouraged her to have a more confident and positive relationship with her body. Most importantly this was a method of exercise that she could enjoyably and meaningfully incorporate into her life and that she could also share with close family members. I am keen to explore more ways I can incorporate this training into my practice as a Physiotherapist to benefit others.

It is also a step into the unknown. I am excited to be able to engage wholeheartedly with the training and creative processes DUENDE has to offer and to learn what there is to learn, discover what there is to discover. I am attracted to develop skills in improvisation and physical expressivity. Skills I am confident I will be able to share and translate into work with others.

Should I raise more than I need I would like to give this to two local charities, Cavendish Cancer Care and Challenge Cancer Through Adventure.