TV star Martin Kemp pledges support for children’s brain injury charity

A charity which provides residential and community care for children with neurological injuries and disabilities has secured the support of a celebrity who himself has overcome brain trauma in appealing for vital funds to sustain its work.

From its base in Tadworth, Surrey, The Children’s Trust has worked with 3,000 children and their families in the past two years, delivering specialist rehabilitation and tailored support as they rebuild their lives following injury or illness.

In support of its fundraising efforts, TV and music star Martin Kemp has committed his support, fronting a BBC Lifeline documentary to highlight the work of the charity.

Back in 1995, Martin was diagnosed with two brain tumours, which saw him undergo major surgery to remove them, leaving him with memory loss and dyslexia. He has spoken regularly since that time about the massive and lasting impact this had on himself and his family.

The Children’s Trust helps families across the UK who are affected by brain injury and neurodisability, but donations are vital to its work. Earlier this year, chief executive Dalton Leong told NR Times of the catastrophic effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on its annual fundraising.

Explaining his reasons for becoming involved in the appeal, Martin says: “I hope lots of people tune in to see why The Children’s Trust need your help. It’s a subject close to my heart and I hope the money raised continues to help more children and families across the UK access the vital support they so desperately need.”

The documentary highlights the situations of three young people who have been supported by The Children’s Trust – 14-year-old Finn who attends The Children’s Trust School, seven-year-old Amelia who has been supported by the Brain Injury Community Service team and 13-year-old Brittney who received intensive rehabilitation following a car accident.

Brittney was seriously injured in April last year, when she was walking to school with her sister. She was airlifted to hospital after being hit by a car, and was left with a traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Brittney’s Mum, Patricia, says: “When Brittney woke up three days after her car accident, she was unable to stand, walk, talk or feed herself. However, after four months of intensive rehabilitation at The Children’s Trust, including speech and language therapy and having physiotherapy every day, she was able to relearn all the skills she lost.

“Brittney is now able to walk and talk and has even gone back to school. Her recovery has been amazing and I could not have done it without The Children’s Trust. They are lifesavers.”

Finn was only seven months old when he was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease, and his parents were warned he probably would not live past his first birthday.

However, now a teenager, Finn and his family are supported by The Children’s Trust in dealing with the effects of his condition.

“Finn didn’t really sleep, he had a lot of his seizures at night and was on a lot of medication. Normal day to day tasks were a two or three person job,” recalls Keiran, Finn’s dad.

“Someone mentioned the residency offered by The Children’s Trust and that it could be suitable for Finn – within the first weeks it was obvious he absolutely loved it here, the people who work there love and care for him like he’s their own child.

“They have amazing facilities, and Finn just wouldn’t have those opportunities otherwise. I don’t think he’s stopped smiling since he came here.”

Seven-year-old Amelia has been suffering seizures for two years, which culminated in her having to stay in hospital for ten weeks last summer after a particularly severe episode. The Children’s Trust community team supports Amelia and her family.

Sophie, Amelia’s mum, says: “You never know what any day is going to be. Amelia can be really nice one minute, but the next she will attack you for no reason, although she doesn’t know she’s doing it.

“The Children’s Trust have helped us with all areas of our lives, both our home and school life. Amelia couldn’t read or write after she became ill, but now she is getting back to the level of her classmates.

“They’ve helped our family to get back into a normal routine to feel like normal family, and I really can’t imagine life without them.”

* For more information on the work of The Children’s Trust, or to donate to its fundraising appeal, visit www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk