Keep Keeley moving appeal a step closer to its target thanks to donation from The Barker-Mill Foundation

The Keep Keeley Moving appeal has received a second £2,000 donation from the Barker-Mill Foundation (BMF) which will be put towards the funding of private physiotherapy and rehabilitation for Keeley Cullen, following a diagnosis of Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy at the age of two.

Keeley was born with Cerebral Palsy at eight weeks premature. Certain parts of her brain were damaged including areas that control leg movement and co-ordination. This has resulted in Keely feeling excessive stiffness or spasticity in the leg muscles which can impair her ability to walk. The physiotherapy and rehabilitation is aimed at building the 10-year-old’s strength and mobility.

Zara Cullen, Keeley’s mum, said: “This second donation from the BMF is so greatly appreciated, it will really help with Keeley’s private physiotherapy costs which are £85 an hour at a centre in Bournemouth, and her intensive strength and conditioning courses in Wales.

“We’re looking to raise £20,000 to ensure Keeley gets as much physiotherapy and strength and conditioning courses as possible to help her development and continue her amazing progress. We are always looking for ways to ensure Keeley is comfortable, happy and continuing her amazing progress whilst still making the most of her childhood like any other 10-year-old. Thanks to the BMF we are one step closer to meeting our fundraising target!”

The first donation from the BMF helped cover the costs of a privately funded operation totaling £50,000, which was unavailable on the NHS. Keeley underwent the operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2016 and the life changing Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy

Surgery helped Keeley by releasing the stiffness in her legs, gave her permanent flat feet, helped her sit and make transitions between postures and improve her standing and walking.

The most recent donation has provided much needed funds towards the current fundraising appeal, which is aimed at raising money to cover the costs of Keeley’s ongoing rehabilitation for the next three years. Her ongoing rehabilitation is crucial to help meet Keeley’s three wishes; to walk, to play in the park with her friends and become a cheerleader like her mum.

Tim Jobling, Trustee for the Barker-Mill Foundation, said: “It’s fantastic to see how far Keeley has come since her life changing surgery back in 2016, and we were more than happy to provide a secondary donation to help Keeley to continue to make outstanding progress.

“She is inspirational; her drive to keep pushing on with all the courses, sessions and physiotherapy is admirable and we hope the appeal meets it’s target to ensure Keeley is able to receive plenty of beneficial treatment and help her meet her three wishes.”

To find out more about Keeley’s Wishes Appeal, please contact: Caudwell Children on 01782 600114 or to donate online visit: www.justgiving.com/keepkeeleymoving