Centre comes to aid of youngster (From Barry And District News)

Centre comes to aid of youngster

A BRAVE Barry youngster who battles with a rare and difficult condition has been given new hope for his future - and it's all thanks to the help of a revolutionary therapy centre.

Six-year-old Kaine Raisis, of Upper Pyke Street, struggles with Lesch Nyhan syndrome.

The condition had all the symptoms of cerebral palsy, such as low muscle tone and limb stiffness, but it also means that Kaine has a tendency to self-harm.

However, his annual sessions at the Bobath Children's Centre Wales help him control his movements.

Kaine's dad Darren said: "My wife Carrie and I were worried when Kaine wasn't doing normal things children are meant to. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, but last November he was further diagnosed with Lesch Nyhan."

The 29-year-old added: "He goes to Bobath for a block session, two weeks per year. After the physiotherapy he receives, he finds it easier to manage his movements. As a family, we do find it hard to find the time needed for his physiotherapy.

"If Bobath had better funding, it would be able to give Kaine and other children more of the assistance they need."

The Bobath Children's Therapy Centre Wales provides specialist therapy to children from across the country who have cerebral palsy.

This year it needs to raise £100,000 to continue providing such specialist therapy. This would help support the 230 children on their case load - at present only 120 per year can be seen.

There are lots of ways to help, including sending a money, holding an event such as a coffee morning, book sale or car boot sale or donating money normally spent on Christmas cards

Contact the centre by telephone on 029 20522600 and ask for Gail Griffiths or email gailg@bobathwales.org or write to Bobath Children's Centre Wales, 19 Park Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff, CF14 7BP.