Martha's First Independent Steps in her Walker Captured on Video

Martha has started using her walker (a Leckey Kidwalk 2) a lot at school. The more time she spends in the walker the stronger Martha gets and the more confident she becomes.

Martha's school captured a video clip of Martha using her walker in an exercise class and not only did Martha take a number of independent steps but also managed to kick a ball in the process.

The video is on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJHk4ZKa2B8

Martha is continuing to make great progress with her walking and walks in her walker every day and is able to independently walk in it for quite long distances.


We are very grateful to the Children with Special Needs Foundation (http://www.childrenwithspecialneeds.co.uk) for funding this fantastic piece of equipment for Martha.

Martha Enjoys a Quince Players performance of Wind In the Willows

Martha attended a matinee performance of the Quince Players pantomime Wind in the Willows with a large group of her family to celebrate her 7th birthday.



Quince Players supporting Martha

The Quince Players Charity Gala Night supported Martha's Magic Steps and raised over eight hundred pounds which is a fantastic amount and will go towards continued therapy and specialist equipment to support Martha's development.

Many thanks to the Quince Players for their continued support of Martha and the whole family.

Martha Enjoys Disney on Ice @ O2

Martha attended a performance of the Disney on Ice show at the O2 arena over the Chirstmas holidays.

Martha, Orla and Mummy at the O2

We particularly liked seeing Mickey and Minnie as well as dancing to the music and watching all the lighting effects, lanterns and fireworks.

Quince Players Gala Night supporting Martha

The Quince Players have kindly donated a number of tickets to the opening night of The Wind in the Willows (this years pantomime) to Martha's Magic Steps to help raise money for Martha's on-going physiotherapy and equipment.

Quince Players supporting Martha

The Gala Night takes place on Thursday 16th January 2014 at 7:30pm at the Cordes Hall in Sunninghill. Tickets are just £10. Please contact Angela or Patrick to reserve tickets.

Martha Trials New Eye Gaze Computer

Martha has been trialling a new eye gaze computer at school that tracks her eye movements and can tell where on the screen she is looking. This allows Martha to operate the specialist computer software totally independently just with her eyes.

Martha painting a picture with the eye gaze computer

At the moment Martha is getting used to using the computer and can do things like make simple choices (e.g. which nursery rhyme she would like to hear), open doors to see what animal is behind them if she maintains her gaze on the door for three seconds and splats custard pies in peoples faces if she looks at them - one of Martha's favourites.

Martha will trial the eye gaze computer until the end of the month and we will then start discussing with the school if we can get one for Martha to use full time.

Watching Martha use the eye gaze computer is amazing and it should make a huge difference in the way Martha can communicate with the world around her.

Martha is Diagnosed with Epilepsy

Martha has this week been formally diagnosed with epilepsy. Martha has been having "petit-mal" type seizures for a few months and she was referred to a paediatrician at Frimley Park Hospital to investigate.



Martha having an EEG at St Peters

Martha attended St Peters hospital for an electroencephalograph (EEG). The preliminary results have shown that she has generalised seizures (meaning both sides of the brain are affected). Martha has now been referred to a specialist who will hopefully find the right treatment for Martha to minimise the impact of this going forwards.

Martha Enjoys her Harvest Festival

Martha recently took part in her school Harvest Festival by helping sing "Dingle Dangle Scarecrow" dressed as a farmer.

Martha at her school Harvest Festival

As you can see from the picture and note that the school sent home, Martha did some excellent standing, something that she wouldn't have been able to do a few months ago. Martha is getting stronger and has recently shown (in her walker for support) that she wants to move around independently. Excellent progress Martha....well done...!!!