Jose Mourinho will be looking over his shoulder at eight-year old James Loosemore who is starting to build asuccessful football club on the Isle of Wight.

James and his sister, Christina have been regular visitors to theBobath Centre since they were young and their parents, Glenand Julie say that both children have benefited enormouslyfrom treatment.

James, a Portsmouth fan, decided to set up his own team forchildren with disabilities when he found that there was noprovision locally. Armed with self-confidence and the gift ofthe gab, the island’s “special one” went about persuading thelocal council and businesses to support his idea. His passionfor the beautiful game persuaded Pompey to have him as theirguest at the FA Cup semi-final against West Bromwich Albionlast May.

Just after Christmas, James started putting up posters aroundhis area and soon had eight children interested. “All my e-mails are about football now,” he said on a recent visit to theBobath Centre.

The Isle of Wight Inclusives is open to boys and girls up to 16years. James has already appointed a coach, the council areinterested in providing transport and a local businessman has

donated £100 to get them started. The team played together forthe first time in March where “there were lots of smiles andhigh fives all round,” reported Julie.

James has wasted no time putting the first piece of silverwarein the trophy cabinet; he recently won the Isle of Wight’s juniordisability achievement award, both for his footballingambitions, and for his progress in the pool as part of the Isle ofWight Swim Team.

T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E B O B A T H C E N T R E

Issue Seventeen Spring 2009

Margaret Mayston’s contribution to theBobath approach has been recognisedby her mother country, which hasawarded her the Order of Australia.

Membership of the Order is the pre-eminent way Australians recognise theachievements and service of their fellowcitizens. Nominations come directlyfrom either individuals or groups withinthe community, which are thensubmitted to the Australian HonoursSecretariat in Canberra for consideration.

Margaret is honoured for “service tophysiotherapy, particularly the treatmentof people with cerebral palsy and otherneurological conditions using the Bobathmethod, to research in the area of neuro-rehabilitation, and to education”.

After training as a physiotherapist inMelbourne, she completed an MSc inApplied Physiology at King’s College,London followed by a PhD inneurophysiology at University CollegeLondon and a post-doctoral fellowshipfunded by the Wellcome Trust.

As a former director, she maintains aclinical role at the Bobath Centre

working asboth atherapistadviser and asa seniorBobathpaediatrictutor on theBobathfoundationcourse. She isalso a seniorlecturer at University College Londonwhere she is involved in investigatingthe developmental changes inmovement quality in infants and thoseat risk of developmental problems.

Australia honoursMargaret

BobathNEWS

The special oneJames receiving his awardfrom Alan Titchmarsh

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Join the onen400 Challenge See page 6 for details

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Contact usEditor - Kevin Gillespie 020 8442 2276Assistant editor - Sarah TerrazasEditorial and advertising enquiries: 020 8442 2276 or email: kevin@bobathlondon.co.uk

250 East End Road, London N2 8AU 020 8444 3355Bobath Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy, Registered charity 229663Bobath Centre for Adults with Neurological Disability, Registered charity 2938539©The Bobath Centre 2009

Bobath on the roadChristine Barber, the director oftherapy services recently returnedfrom Poland where she andcolleague, Jean-Pierre Maes metwith European Bobath tutors.

Senior speech & languagetherapist, Yolly Broek travelled toChicago in March to attend theNDTA specialty conference, Feedingand Swallowing Across the Lifespan.NDT or Neuro-Developmental Treatment is how Bobaththerapy is known in the USA.

Yolly was looking to expand her knowledge and treatmentskills from an NDT perspective and the conference offered acombination of both informational and hands-on lab sessions.

Survey aims to improve customer servicePeople visiting the Centre from April will get the chance to tellus what they think of our customer service and the premisesgenerally. The survey will focus on how we do in terms ofefficiency, effectiveness, cleanliness (premises not staff!) and thefacilities provided.

The survey will run for six weeks and we hope to publish theresults in the autumn edition of Bobath News.

Australia honours Margaret (from front page)Other research interests include the use of neurophysiologicaltechniques and motion analysis to understand the control ofmovement in healthy children and adults; changes in thecontrol of movement in pathologies such as cerebral palsy andstroke; and possible effects of some therapeutic interventions.

Margaret is thrilled and honoured to receive the award, “It is anaffirmation of the value of the Bobath Concept,” she said “andreflects the many interactions I have had with others, particularlythe inspiration of the Bobaths and Jenny Bryce (the late directorof the Bobath Centre) with whom I worked for many years.”

Margaret reached another milestone in March when she celebrated30 years working at the Bobath Centre.

Grants available: CerebraCerebra was set up to improve thelives of children with brain relatedconditions. It helps by fundingresearch, education and offering directsupport for children and their carers.

In addition to funding treatment costs, they may pay forequipment or resources that are not available from statutoryagencies like the NHS. Items funded in the past include touchscreen computers, specialist car seats, power wheelchairs,trampolines, sensory toys, adapted cycles and digital drumkits.

To qualify a child must be aged 16 or under and have a braininjury, neurological disorder, mental disability or develop-mental problem.

For further information, please contact Debbie Godsave, Cerebragrants co-ordinator on 01267 244216 or debbieg@cerebra.org.uk.

Bobath on the runThe streets of London will again be filled with thousands ofrunners taking part in the Flora London Marathon on 26thApril. We wish our 17 runners the best of luck and will becheering them on along the route. If you are coming to thisyear’s marathon, we would like you to join us at our cheeringpoint. Please contact Sarah on sarah@bobathlondon.co.uk fordetails of where we will be positioned.

Eleven thousand reasons to use eBayOnline auction site eBay now raises a staggering £11,000 a dayfor charity. In April, we are putting up for auction a TheraplayTerrier tricycle (which retails at around £500) donated by RuyiAfolabi andher parents.

If you are aneBayer alreadyit is easy todonate all orpart of yourfinal sale priceto the charity.Alternatively,we can sell anitem for you.

For further information, visit www.ebay.co.uk/ebayforcharity orcontact the Fundraising Team who will be happy to help.

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Christine Barber

Dave Hanson is apractical man, which isjust as well since his roleas premises managermeans coming up withpractical solutions toproblems on a dailybasis.

Dave has worked at theBobath Centre for 16years, living on-site in theold headmistress’ cottagewith his wife Helen, whoalso works at the Centreon reception. His practical

approach was evident even before he worked here. “I remembercoming for my interview and noticed that the doors to thebuilding had to be opened by hand,” he said. “That’s not goodwhen you have a child, maybe in a wheelchair and parentsladen with bags and other bits and pieces”. Not surprisingly,one of his first projects was to install automatic doors.

This down-to-earth approach has served the Centre well andthese days his role goes far beyond just opening and closing up.As premises manager, he is responsible for almost every aspectof the building - from project managing the replacement of tens

of thousands of pounds of audio-visual equipment in thelecture theatre to sorting out the plumbing in the staff toilets.

It is a role he takes seriously. “The Centre has a duty of careboth to the visitors and staff who use the building and it is myjob to make sure the building is a safe and healthy place to bein. I also make sure the building runs smoothly in the same waya car mechanic tweaks an engine to get the best out of it.”

Dave is also responsible for the bulk of the purchasing frompaper clips to therapy equipment, and for seeing through theschedule of planned maintenance. This has turned him into amaster negotiator, and he admits that he enjoys haggling withsuppliers to get the best deal for the charity, “If I can save a fewbob without cutting corners then I’ll have a go – that way themoney stays where it’s needed,” he said.

His biggest headache at the moment is the leaking roof in thereception, which can no longer cope with heavy spells of rain.

“We’ve been advised to replace it,” he says “but it will cost£50,000. We’ll have to make do for now, but it doesn’t look goodwhen visitors see buckets in reception.” But, if anyone can finda solution, Dave can.

The Centre is currently trying to raise £50,000 to replace the reception roof.

Can we fix it? Ask Dave

Wii were first!There was a distinctsense of déjà vu atthe Bobath Centreover Christmaswhen we readPhysiotherapyFrontline’s article onthe benefits of theNintendo Wii intreating childrenand adult clients.

Having been donated the games console we were initiallygoing to sell it on eBay, but our therapists realised it couldhave a broader use than just recreational.

Occupational therapist, Clare Smith explained: “When a childwith cerebral palsy uses their hands there is a tendency fortheir muscle tone to increase in their legs (which reduces theirbase of support and balance). By using the Wii as a standingactivity, it keeps the tone lower. It is also useful for shiftingweight side to side or forward and back, which is the key towalking and maintaining balance.”

She went on to say “playing games such as Wii Tennis helpsin the planning, sequencing and timing of movement forexample, promoting hand/eye co-ordination and in disasso-ciating arm movement from the trunk.”

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Are you regular?Did you know that making regular donations through yourbank or building society is the most cost effective way ofgiving to the Bobath Centre?

By giving as little as £5.00 a month you will be supportingthe ongoing work of the charity - that’s less than the cost ofa bottle of wine. Here is how your gift could help:

£5.00 a day keeps a therapy hoist maintained£10.00 will buy toys for use in therapy£25.00 will buy speech & language software £60.00 pays to heat a therapy room for one day£115.00 will pay for one hour of treatment

Having a regular source of donations means that we canplan ahead and it’s also environmentally friendly because itrequires no paperwork once set up.

Setting up a direct debit couldn’t be simpler. Just completethe regular giving form you will find in this newsletter andreturn it to the Bobath Centre. We will do the rest and youdon’t even need a stamp!

See enclosed leaflet.

Dave Hanson

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Bobath T-shirts for sale

Black100% cotton and carry the Children’s Centre logoExclusive design by StormAvailable in Medium, Large & XL£10.00 plus p&p

To order visit www.bobath.org.uk to buy online or call 020 8442 2275.

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Christmas bringscomfort and joyChristmas starts early at the Bobath Centre.During the summer we were thinking aboutwhat we could do for the festive seasonwhen we hit upon the idea of producing aCD of Christmas songs.

Having no experience of the music businesswe turned to Bobath supporter, JennieCassidy for help. Jennie is no stranger to therecording studio having sung on over 30professional recordings including CDs forthe BBC Music Magazine and BBC Radio 3.Jennie’s daughter, Martine is treated at theCentre and we were delighted when sheagreed to help.

By September she had chosen her favourite songs gleaned from her extensive backcatalogue. In amongst her selection were old chestnuts such as Ding Dong Merrilyon High and Away in a Manger, but there were also less obvious songs fromIreland and Wales, USA, Poland and the Czech Republic.

While the recording process began in Jennie’s home town of Ipswich, thefundraising team in London got to grips with the minutiae of copyright law,production licences, artwork and finding a pressing plant. It all came together andin November we took delivery of Comfort & Joy. Although we didn’t make theChristmas number one slot, Comfort & Joy raised over £3,500 and we would like tothank Jennie all those who gave their time and talents free of charge.

Comfort & Joy and Jennie’s first recording for the Bobath Centre, I Dream About You areboth available for purchase.

The gift of a lifetimeWe are indebted to the late Mrs DorisCarr who has left the charity over£80,000 in her will.

Legacies are important to a small charitylike the Bobath Centre. By their verynature, they are unexpected and allow usto develop and improve in areas that arebeyond our resources.

Our new legacy leaflet explains things inmore detail, but if you are planning tomake a will, please think about leaving a gift to the Bobath Centre.

For further information, please contact Kevin Gillespie.

Tell us your storyWhen we apply for funding it is important that we can giveexamples of how Bobath therapy has made a difference tochildren’s lives and to those of their families. In amongst thecorporate documents and the accounts our donors like to readabout real people in their own words.

So, we would like to hear your story – how cerebral palsy hasaffected your family, how you discovered the Bobath Centre;your experience of Bobath therapy and the service youreceived during your stay. Finally, how treatment has made adifference to your life.

We use these case studies to explain our work in languagethat “non-clinical” people will understand. We never identifyindividuals; all names are changed before publication. If youjust want to write notes we will be happy to draft somethingand show it to you for approval.

If you are visiting the Bobath Centre in the near future, pleaseask at reception and one of our fundraising team will behappy to chat with you.

If you aren’t planning a visit but would still like to help,please contact Kevin Gillespie on 020 8442 2276 or atkevin@bobathlondon.co.uk

Martine dressed as an angelfor the album cover

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We leave at midnightor go without youAfter visiting the Bobath Centre in the summer, Tawa plc employee,James Thompson took on the mammoth challenge of climbing 5,895metres to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This is his story…

The sun rose at six in the Barranco Valley to what was to bethe hardest 36 hours of my life. We had already spent threedays trekking and scrambling through rainforest andmoonlike rocky terrain by the time we left for our base camp.An hour later, we were scrambling up the near vertical GreatBarranco Wall. We descended and climbed again until by lateafternoon we had arrived at Barafu camp. We were already4,600 metres above sea level. After some well-earned soupand pasta, we received a military style briefing about whathappens next – the push for the top. “We leave at midnightor go without you” was the last thing I heard as I climbedinto my tent at 8pm.

Altitude sickness and exhaustion meant that only 23 out ofthe original party of 28 were fit enough to make the finalascent. We started scrambling up a never-ending rocky trail,but lack of oxygen meant we moved at a snail’s pace. As thesun rose though our spirits lifted as the summit came intosight. The task, however, was far from over. The terrain waschanging - rocks now turned into scree and we slipped andslid with each tiny step slowing our progress even further.But we were all determined to finish.

At eight o’clock on the morning of the 23 October I, alongwith thirteen of my, by now, very good friends, reachedUhuru Peak. I had made it to the top of the highestfreestanding mountain in the world.

Eight hours later, we were back in Millennium camp, wherethe most welcome site of the week awaited us - one of ourparty standing with an outstretched arm holding a bottle ofbeer. Had it been the hardest 36 hours of my life? Definitely. Would I do it again? Certainly!

We would like to thank James Thompson and Tawa plc for raisingover £6,000 for the Bobath Centre. For further information onclimbing Kilimanjaro and other challenge events, please contact theFundraising office.

Golf day delightsThe 11th Videx charity golf day took place on 15th August atOld Ford Manor golf club in Hertfordshire.

After a hearty breakfast, the 60 players got the tournamentunderway, dividing into four teams for 10 holes in themorning, followed by a singles competition of 18 holes in theafternoon. Once the winners were announced and thetrophies presented, the tournament was capped off with adinner in the evening followed by a charity auction.

Bobath volunteer, Danial Rickard who also works part time atVidex was delighted with the outcome. “I always enjoy the golfday and after 11 years it is a testament to the organisers thatit is as popular as ever. It’s an enjoyable day for all concernedand I am always touched by the generosity the players.”

Thank you to Videx Security for their support. The golf day raised £9,294 and in January, the company donated an additional £250 in lieu of Christmas cards.

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One in 400 children born in theUK is affected by cerebral palsy.That’s one in 400 children whomay struggle through life or onein 400 children who, with theright support, could grow up toreach their full potential.

We would like our supporters tojoin us in a new fundraisinginitiative – the Bobath Centre’sonen400 challenge.

We want you to raise £1,400 forthe charity. This may seem a lot,but there’s no time limit – youcan just do at the pace that suits you. So, if you are a runneryou could run a marathon and do it in one go or you cantake it slowly and do smaller activities over a longer period.

The point is that you will be actively supporting childrenwho have cerebral palsy offering them the best opportunityto lead independent and fulfilling lives.

In return can give you all the support and encouragementyou need to succeed.We won’t pester to raise the money; just help you on yourway with things like:

• Publicity materials: Logos, photos, case studies, facts andfigures etc. Everything you need to back up yourfundraising.

• Fundraising goods: T-shirts, collection tins, badges,balloons etc.

• Ideas: Stuck for an idea? – We have hundreds.

• Guaranteed places: We have guaranteed places in manyof running events around the country, including theVirgin London Marathon 2010.

• Advice: Want to know the best way to get free publicityyour event? We can point you in the right direction.

• Legal: It can be a minefield – but we’ve got the map.• You’re not alone: a forum to talk to other fundraisers and

share ideas.• We will keep records of all the money you raise and

make the gift aid claim, which we will add to your total.

Once we receive your onen400 challenge registration form*we will send you a onen400 fundraising pack. This containssome great ideas to get started as well as tips on how topublicise your fundraising and essentials like a sponsorshipform.

*available to download from the Bobath website or by contacting theFundraising office.

James on topof the world

Skydive YinThank you to Yin Wu for raisingover £600 by taking part in10,000ft tandem skydive. Medicalstudent Yin visited the Centre inthe summer as part of his trainingat the Institute of Child Health inLondon. After seeing our work, hetook time off his studies to makethe jump at Hinton SkydivingCentre, Brackley, Northants.

Atlantic crossingIn November, Jonathan Paull will set sail across the Atlanticto raise funds for the Bobath Centre.

He plans to sail the 2,700 miles from the Canary Islands to StLucia in a 40-foot yacht. “My daughter is treated at the Centre”he said, “and I am aiming to raise £10,000 so that children likeher can benefit from the kind of support we received.”

To support Jonathan, go to www.justgiving.com/sailatlantic.

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Morocco 2010 - Sahara Trek

13-21st March 2010Minimum sponsorship £2,500Contact the Bobath Centre for details

adidas Women’s 5k Challenge

Sunday 6th SeptemberMinimum sponsorship £50

British 10k London RunSunday 12th JulyMinimum sponsorship: £100

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• Guaranteed places: We have guaranteed places in manyof running events around the country, including theVirgin London Marathon 2010.

• Advice: Want to know the best way to get free publicityyour event? We can point you in the right direction.

• Legal: It can be a minefield – but we’ve got the map.• You’re not alone: a forum to talk to other fundraisers and

share ideas.• We will keep records of all the money you raise and

make the gift aid claim, which we will add to your total.

Once we receive your onen400 challenge registration form*we will send you a onen400 fundraising pack. This containssome great ideas to get started as well as tips on how topublicise your fundraising and essentials like a sponsorshipform.

*available to download from the Bobath website or by contacting theFundraising office.

Team Bobath 2009

Morocco 2010 - Sahara Trek

13-21st March 2010Minimum sponsorship £2,500Contact the Bobath Centre for details

Enter online at www.bigfunrun.com or contactsarah@bobathlondon.co.uk

Derby 8 August

Liverpool 9 August

Leicester 22 August

Coventry 23 August

Sheffield 12 September

Leeds 13 September

MiltonKeynes 27 September

We have guaranteed places for:

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