Shropshire chamber member and children’s charity The Movement Centre has today launched its biggest fundraising mission to transform 30 young lives and clear the treatment waiting list as it marks 30 years.
The Movement Centre in Oswestry has launched its ambitious “30 for 30” fundraising campaign, where the charity team hopes to win the backing of 30 different businesses, organisations, groups or individuals, who will each fundraise or donate £1,500.
The total sum of £45,000 would ensure every child, who is currently on the waiting list for specialist Targeted Training physiotherapy at The Movement Centre, would receive the specialist standing frame they need to begin their journey to independence.
The first people to back the fundraising mission and launch today’s fund with a £1,500 donation is Nigel West and his family, who own Fiveways Insurance Group in Newport and Stafford.
The West family has already seen the impact the Targeted Training physiotherapy can have on a young person, after their Godson Jacob completed the programme at the centre when he was just four years old. They have given an additional £500 to fund the refurbishment of two further standing frames.
Jacob, who is now 20 years old and a proud supporter of the charity himself, attributes his physical strength and level of independence to The Movement Centre physiotherapy programme.
Nigel, who runs the insurance business with his wife Lisa and son Dan, said: “When we heard there were 30 children patiently waiting to access the brilliant Targeted Training physiotherapy programme at The Movement Centre, we knew we wanted to help.
“Every day a young child is forced to wait for this life changing programme, which means they are losing precious time when they could be making a real difference to their mobility.
“We have seen the difference The Movement Centre made to Jacob and his family and want others to enjoy the same success.
“It might be the case that a child wants to be able to hold their head up or stand at a table or join in with siblings.
“Every milestone for that individual child is vital and we hope the child who benefits from the Fiveways sponsored 12-month programme sees an improvement in their daily lives.”
Other businesses are invited to meet The Movement Centre team and see first-hand the impact the centre has, at the official “30 for 30 Business Breakfast” event on September 30th. Visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-breakfast-at-the-movement-centre-30-for-30-tickets-1998219854375 to book your place.
Three year old Percy Whitehead from Scarborough launched the 30 for 30 mission with Nigel at the centre. Mum Sarah Wilkinson said: “The team at The Movement Centre have been wonderful for Percy.
“His development has been incredible and I can honestly say he wouldn’t be where he is without them.
“The standing frames they provide challenge Percy beyond anything that the NHS ones do and the progress he has made is testament to the team and the support they give.”
Helen Knight, Chief Executive Officer said: “We’ve reached a point whereby there are many children who could benefit from our therapy, but we simply don’t have the resources to help them.
“Our supporters have the power to transform 30 lives right now. Whether through corporate CSR programmes, workplace challenges, team away days or community fundraising, raising £1,500 directly changes a child’s life trajectory. We want to rally 30 champions across the region to help us reach this goal.
“It would be amazing if we could say ‘we’ve raised £45,000’ before Christmas and give each of the 30 families on the waiting list an early Christmas present.
“Starting the fundraising today gives you plenty of time.”
Claire Snape, Head of Fundraising at The Movement Centre, said: “As a charity, which doesn’t receive any NHS or Government funding, we can say there’s never been a more important time to support us.
“We want to be making those special phone calls, telling families that the generous people from across the region have funded their child’s place - now that would be so special for all involved.
“Every standing frame funded by a supporter enables one child to come off the waiting list and begin therapy during the crucial early years of development.
“Early intervention is vital for children with movement disabilities. Delays in accessing specialist therapy can mean missed opportunities to develop strength, balance and independence during critical stages of growth.”
To pledge your support, find out more, or to request a 30 for 30 fundraising pack visit www.the-movement-centre.co.uk/30-for-30, email
To book your place at the “30 for 30 Business Breakfast” on September 30th visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-breakfast-at-the-movement-centre-30-for-30-tickets-1998219854375
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