Helping Daisy to lead a normal life

Little Daisy Garforth was born in June 2010. After complications at birth she suffered brain damage and as a result has athetoid dystonic cerebral palsy.

The two-year-old can be treated by therapy at the specialist Bobath Centre in London - which could be the difference in her walking and talking.

But the therapy is not readily available on the NHS and each two week session costs around £4,000, with travel and accommodation on top the figure soars to around £6,000.

Dad Lee Garforth said: “The first lot of treatment was funded by NHS Rotherham. But we have been told that they can only fund one trip a year.”

“Bobath would like to see Daisy every six months, but due to Government spending cuts the funding wont be there for that.”

And even the one trip every year is not guaranteed, as Daisy’s case for treatment must go before a board at the Primary Care Trust every time she wants to be referred.

Her first visit was such a success that her parents are organising two fundraising nights, in the hope of paying for her next trip in January.

“When we first went down we were asked what we wanted to get out of being there,” said mum Hollie.

“We reeled off a huge list of things, but by the end of the first week we realised its not the massive things that make the most difference for Daisy.”

Small things like helping Daisy sit upright with little support and encouraging her to use both sides of her mouth when chewing have made a massive difference.

The aim of the treatment is basically to reprogramme parts of Daisy’s brain, and it relies heavily on repetition to be successful.

By the end of her two week’s in London she was able to roll in the correct way, sit with minimal support, stand in a supported way, chew new textures and drink in a new way that enables her to swallow correctly.

“We want to take her down every six months to give her the best chance possible,” continued Hollie.

“The staff at Bobath said she is really intelligent. She knows what she wants to do but her brain can’t control her muscles to be able to do it.”

On Friday 14th September the Garforth’s are holding a fundraising night at Kiveton Park and Wales Village Hall. Starting at 7.30pm the night will feature entertainment disco, buffet and a raffle. Tickets are £10, under 16s £3.

Then on Friday 19th October there will be a ball at The Royal Victoria Holiday Inn in Sheffield. The glamorous evening includes a Pimms drinks reception, three course dinner with wine, live music, a magician, disco, auction and raffle. Tickets are £55 or £500 for a table of 10.

Tickets are available by calling 01909 510738. Visit www.therapyfordaisy.co.uk for more.