Cerebral Palsy is a neurological condition caused by damage to the brain, usually before or around the time of birth and leads primarily to problems with muscle tone, balance and co-ordination. The severity of the condition varies and in Orla's case all of her body has been affected, leaving her unable to move around, as she can neither stand independently nor walk. Although she has made great progress, many everyday tasks still present her with huge problems. For example, when sitting she needs specialist seating in order to maintain posture to allow her to sit independently.

Orla requires daily physiotherapy and occupational therapy to help her develop to her maximum potential. She is seen usually for an hour a week by NHS therapists and it is then up to us, her parents, to carry out the therapy at home and attempt to integrate it into everything she does and into a busy family life.

We are trying to raise money that could be used to improve the quality of Orla's life and to pay for more physio, equipment, training and legal costs. To give some idea of the costs involved: an hour of physiotherapy costs between £50 and £75, a specialist tricycle in the region of £800, and specialist seating starts at £1,000.

Orla has been attending nursery since October 2007, but West Sussex Local Education Authority have still not provided the specialist seating or standing frame she requires.

Orla is nearly four years old. She is a bright, cheerful, and sociable little girl who wants to do all the things that any child her age wants to do: go to the park, build Lego, paint pictures and play with her older brother Tomàs. But many of these everyday things that most of us take for granted, are impossible or extremely difficult for Orla to do as a result of her cerebral palsy.

See Orla's gallery.

Contact us: info@orlasfund.org.uk
For more background information have a look at: www.scope.org.uk and
the school for parents at Ingfield Manor www.dvltrust.org.uk