Geoff Hurst kicks it off for Brainwave

Footballing legend, Geoff Hurst kicked off children’s charity, Brainwave’s National Raffle with ticket number one. And what better time to do it as all of England contemplates the national team’s chances at this year’s World Cup. Sir Geoff Hurst MBE secured a unique place in the history of football when he became the first and, to date, the only, player to score a hat-trick in the World Cup Final. This was during England's 4-2 win over West Germany at Wembley in 1966. As well as playing 49 games for England, Sir Geoff has been player, coach and manager at a number of well known clubs including West Ham, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea. Brainwave, established in 1982, works with families to deliver individual, home based therapy and exercises for children with disabilities and Development Delay to reach their full potential. This can be anything from walking to recognising numbers. The Charity looks after a whole range of children with conditions including Cerebral Palsy, Down’s syndrome and Autism. The Charity has three Centres in Essex, Somerset and Cheshire as well as satellite clinics in Scotland and Ireland. Christine Cryne, Brainwave’s Chief Executive Officer, said: ‘The raffle’s first prize is fantastic. It is to sail onboard the Princess Cruises’ luxury superliner, Grand Princess, sailing a 14 night Mediterranean cruise from Southampton for two. The cruise includes calls to Barcelona, Rome, and Gibraltar and the winners will enjoy the luxury accommodation of a private balcony stateroom. The Charity hopes to raise up to £15,000, which will be used towards the running cost of the Centres, such as heating and lighting. These are traditionally areas which we struggle to raise money for from elsewhere. We are very grateful to Sir Geoff for helping us on the road achieving a goal of our own!’ Editor’s notes 1. Places on the programme are available for children at the South West Centre. For more information see www.brainwave.org.uk ; email: enquiries@brainwave.org.uk or phone: 01278 429089. 2. Brainwave’s team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists development therapists and teachers seek to transform the lives of children with disabilities. By working with parents, giving them relevant therapy equipment and teaching them correct handling skills, they are empowered to actively participate in their child’s development. 3. Families are invited to the Centre for a two day Initial Assessment where the child is assessed and a programme designed for the child. On the second day the family are shown how to undertake the exercises, which they then carry out at home, retuning to the Centre every 4-6 months when the exercises are adjusted. 4. Brainwave currently has around 500 families on Programme and the enquiries are growing at 30%. 5. See the charity’s video at http://uk.youtube.com/BrainwaveCentre . 6. Brainwave uses mainstream neuroplasticity techniques in its programmes. Most of it therapists NHS trained.

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