The life-changing work of Cerebra
As a solicitor in the Child Brain Injury Team at Bolt Burdon Kemp, I represent children who have suffered life changing brain injuries. Many of our clients require specialist equipment to help them with daily living, for example wheelchairs, wheelchair accessible cars, hoisting equipment and specially adapted seating. It is also crucial that children are given the opportunity to have fun, which sometimes requires the use of specialist equipment.
I see the huge difference early and regular interim payments make, they are vital to fund rehabilitation, professional care, specialist equipment and adaptations to the home.
At Bolt Burdon Kemp, we work with a number of charities who play a vital role in helping to improve the lives of children with brain injuries and conditions. One such charity is Cerebra.
Cerebra
Cerebra are a national charity, founded in 2001, that aims to improve the lives of children with neurological conditions through research, information and direct on-going support. Cerebra have a small team offering a bespoke product design service for families. Although some equipment is available to buy off the shelf, it often does not look very nice or suit the requirements of some children, it is also very expensive.
Reception to celebrate the work of Cerebra
We are hosting a reception for Cerebra on 28th September 2017 to celebrate the important work that they do in supporting children with brain conditions and their families. We are going to be joined by Rhys and his dad, Anthony, pictured below in his boat, who recently completed a triathlon, thanks to Cerebra’s bespoke equipment.
Cerebra creations
The charity develop logical, innovative and above all, fun solutions. Their designs aim to reduce social stigma attached to disabilities by making not only functional but also beautiful products for children and young people.
A few medical stands for pumps and drips developed and made by Cerebra:
Cerebra’s Innovation Centre
At the centre, the charity design and create bespoke equipment for disabled and brain-injured children. Some of the equipment is practical while some enables children to have fun and take part in activities that most children would take for granted.
Charlie’s story:
Charlie was featured in the Radio 4 charity appeal, to hear the appeal please click onto the BBC website. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0929r9g.
Charlie wanted to be like all other children of his age and take part in sports, due to his mobility issues, it was necessary to obtain specialist equipment. Cerebra designed and built this special trike for him to take part in everyday activities –
Poppy’s story:
Cerebra made one little girl’s dream come true when they designed the equipment she needed to take part in the Swansea triathlon with her Dad and she made it to the finish line. Poppy was born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and chronic lung disease. Her dream was to take part in a triathlon and Cerebra made it possible for her, watch the fun:
Cerebra have also created a surfboard, in partnership with Surfability UK and Roger Cooper, specifically designed for children with limited mobility and brain conditions. The surfboard allows people to confidently get out of their wheelchairs and into the sea. The tandem design of the surfboard includes a supportive seat for the child and space on the back for an experienced surfer to steer the board in the right direction.
Cerebra make a wonderful difference to children’s lives. Bolt Burdon Kemp is hosting a Champagne and canapé reception on 28th September 2017 to celebrate the fantastic life-changing work of Cerebra. Chris Jones, CEO, and Dr Ross Head will talk about how they help families with children suffering from brain conditions discover a better life together. You can find more information about Cerebra here.
To see pictures of our event hosting an evening celebrating the important work of Cerebra click here.
