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June 2025

There’s been lots happening at the centre this month!
The service team have officially started rebound therapy.

Rebound therapy is a therapeutic exercise which uses a trampoline to help support and develop children’s capabilities.

The techniques help the children to improve their balance, posture, coordination and stamina, whilst developing their muscle tone and core strength – an essential requirement for sitting unaided, standing or walking.

A young girl and her mum at a rebound therapy session.

Otis is affected by quadriplegic cerebral palsy (affecting all four of his limbs). Sadly, his twin brother Eddie died at birth but, miraculously, Otis survived. Kayleigh, his mum, was told that Otis would never walk or talk. He is defying expectations and making big breakthroughs.

Last week, Otis said his first word in his speech and language session, vocalising the ‘o’ sound in ‘go’. This very special moment brought everyone to tears.

Speaking requires more core strength than many people realise. Projecting your voice involves forcing and controlling the airflow out of your body and throat. Through his physiotherapy sessions, Otis is working on his core strength, helping him to learn to sit up, start to vocalise and possibly even start to take his first step in a walker.

Otis using a microphone in a conductive education session.

Max is affected by a rare genetic disorder which amongst other things causes low muscle tone. This means that he finds it harder to learn how to sit, stand or walk. He’s been working really hard in his physiotherapy sessions, supported by his whole family.

Amazingly, Max spontaneously stood up without support for the first time ever – moving himself from a seated to standing position without the aid of a physiotherapist! Watch him go!

You can read more about our children below!

Coming here, I’ve seen so many changes in so many children. I’ve met some amazing people here and everything has been so good for Otis. It’s changed our lives massively.

– Otis’ mum, Kayleigh

Born prematurely at 25 weeks, Otis was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, affecting all four of his limbs. In his time at DVLCC, Otis has achieved more than his parents ever dreamt possible.

Otis, 3 years old

Otis on a bouncy ball during a physiotherapy session.

Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity has made a huge difference to Max and to our family. I’m so grateful that this amazing charity has this centre and helps these families.

– Max’s mum, Holly

Max was diagnosed with Bainbridge-Ropers Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder causing global development delay. Since coming to DVLCC Max has learnt new skills to reach his full potential.

Max, 3 years old

A young boy in a blue jumper attending a conductive education session.