MEGAN Baker House first started in 2002 and has since been helping to make a difference to the lives of hundreds of children and young people with motor disabilities.

The charity was started in 2002 by Jo and Dave Baker whose daughter Megan had cerebral palsy.

They found conductive education the most effective method for Megan and decided that a centre in Herefordshire offering free services to all children was needed.

Having received funding, a small conductive education centre with two disabled children in attendance was opened.

Sadly, within a few weeks of the centre opening, Megan died. After much soul searching, Jo and Dave decided to continue with the work they began in memory of their beautiful daughter.

Today the centre is based in a converted barn at Moreton Eye, Leominster and they have recently opened an outreach centre in Ledbury.

MBH helps children and teenagers with motor disabilities – including cerebral palsy, head injuries, stroke, and dyspraxia which makes it hard for them to cope with everyday tasks that we take for granted – to develop the skills needed to progress as young adults.

It now also offers conductive education to adults with Parkinson's Disease and stroke.

Families have travelled to the centre from across Herefordshire and Worcestershire for more than a decade to access conductive education services delivered by graduates and supported by classroom assistants.

In 15 years, more than 400 children have received help from the charity which prides itself on seeing a child’s ‘ability’ – not disability – with every child having a bespoke plan and targets to work towards.

Many, whose parents have been given the devastating news that they will never be able to do anything for themselves, have been able to learn to feed and dress themselves, go to the toilet on their own and even walk.

Many have been able to move into mainstream schooling due to the skills learnt at MBH.

Despite the hugely positive outcomes for the youngsters it helps, the charity receives no statutory income and must raise £6,000 each week to be able to provide these life-changing services.

The campaign had the backing of Paralympian Sascha Kindred – an inspirational role model for the young children at MBH who see him as someone who has taken on the challenges life has thrown at him and won in spectacular fashion.

If anyone you know has any of the following get in touch with MBH. They are about to start assessments: cerebral palsy; dyspraxia (DCD); movement based difficulties; Parkinson’s disease; stroke; acquired brain injury; other neurological motor disorders. Call 01568 616179.