Children living with the genetic condition muscular dystrophy came together for a fun-packed day of activities.
The special gathering was organised by the physical therapies team at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Milton base.
Muscular dystrophy is a progressive condition that causes muscles to weaken, leading to an increasing level of disability.
Thirteen children, including two who were staying at the hospice overnight, took part and, as well as making pizzas, which they tucked into at lunchtime, they had the chance to get arty by painting on canvases.
There were also music activities, opportunities to do some gaming, play board games and meet a PAT (Pets As Therapy) dog.
In addition, some of the children were able to enjoy a dip in the hospice’s hydrotherapy pool.
EACH Occupational Therapist Jo Crane said: “It was a wonderful, fun and noisy day and we’re grateful to our colleagues on the care floor. It wouldn’t have been possible to deliver it without them.
“The idea was to highlight activities that can be done to promote movement, while also having fun, making friends and connecting with others.
“Often children with muscular dystrophy are the only person in their school in a wheelchair, unless they move onto a special school.
“The main feedback parents gave was how lovely it was for their child to spend time with others with similar needs.
“There was such a buzz when the pizzas and ice creams were being eaten and the noise when some of the young people were in the pool together could be heard from afar!”
The activity day took place on Thursday, 11th April.
“The children and young people are keen for future days like this, which is great,” added Jo.
“One parent said ‘wow – my son had the best time. Thank you so much for making it so easy for him to step into a new environment’.
“Hopefully it’s something we can repeat in the future.
“We’ve also had feedback from parents to say how they’d like their child to come for a stay with us, because they enjoyed the day so much.”
