Footsteps is a ground-breaking Polish therapy programme brought to the UK, consisting of a team of highly experienced therapists, who use a unique and specialised piece of equipment called the Spider.

The Spider enables therapists to properly align the body by using a series of elastic ropes thus creating a unique ‘spider’s web’.

The Spider increases independence and security and therefore motivates even the most reluctant child, allowing them a totally new experience of movement and balance.

The Spider is loved by children as it gives them, for the first time, freedom to move on their own.

Chloe, aged three, is just one local child being helped by the Footsteps Foundation.

Chloe is your normal bright and bubbly toddler but suffers from an undiagnosed neurological condition that means she is unable to walk. However, after two three-week sessions of Footsteps therapy, she has started pulling herself upwards to stand, and can now take a few steps before her legs give way. This has been a massive confidence boost to Chloe and has given her parents and extended family a real hope and sense of belief that one day she will be able to walk. Alison, Chloe’s mother said: “Chloe was a shy child, and was worried and withdrawn when she first started at Footsteps, but she quickly started to love it and constantly talks about her therapist Adam in the car! Not only has she already made physical gains but it has also been so good for her confidence.”

Chloe is just one of a number of children who have neuro-motor disorders that are benefiting from the Footsteps programme.

The children often cannot walk or crawl but through the programme of intensive therapy at the Footsteps Centre, they often supersede all expectations. The Footsteps Foundation has been set up to help families who cannot afford private treatments like this and allow as many children as possible to receive the intensive physiotherapy they need, regardless of whether their families can afford it. Golf clubs, businesses, schools and individuals have been generous in raising both funds and awareness as the Footsteps Foundation seeks to raise a minimum of £100,000 each year.

If you would like to help Footsteps make a difference by joining their fundraising efforts please contact Polly on 01865 858382 or polly@footstepsfoundation.com. www.footstepsfoundation.com