Much Money for Massage

A Luton lecturer faces a £7,000 bill every year for much-needed physiotherapy for her nine-year-old son who has cerebral palsy.

Hanna Warr, who works for the Fashion and Design Department at Barnfield College, takes her son, James, to the Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy Centre at Flitwick every Saturday and also for several intensive block sessions each year.
"He's making real improvement. At first we were worried about him surviving; now they are talking about him having a little job when he is older.

"He's started sign language and his wrists are now strong enough for him to press buttons. He enjoys his PlayStation and has started on a computer."
Recently, friends and staff at Barnfield College organised a disco at Stopsley Working Men's Club which donated its premises for free. It raised nearly £1,000 and the College donated an additional £200.

"James loved the disco. He responds to music and enjoys interacting with people," said Hanna, who lives at Ambleside, Luton. "People are so kind. Greg Mullins, our technician, did the disco for free and June Tearle, our receptionist, sold copies of her poems and donated the money towards the food.

"And our Chief Executive even kindly organised a cheque for us."
Pete Birkett, Chief Executive of Barnfield College, said: "I am very proud of our staff who always rally round someone in need. Despite the difficult economic circumstances, I am very pleased the College was able to make a donation to a very worthwhile cause."

Next on the fund-raising agenda for James, who attends Lady Zia Wernher Special School in Stopsley, is a sponsored bungee jump by a friend of the family. A function in Dunstable is also on the cards.

To make a donation to James' physiotherapy costs, contact Hanna at hanna.warr@barnfield.ac.uk