A Parents Perspective – Sophie Hawes

Millie has Spinal Muscular Atrophy and during secondary school received 'brief' physio sessions every two weeks or so. These sessions were too short for anything really worthwhile to be achieved, and it became deeply frustrating for me as her Mum knowing that she needed more. 

When she was 16, Millie was lucky enough to be referred to the NeuroMuscular Centre. She was a little apprehensive to begin with as the NMC is an adult facility and she was so young, but her fears were soon allayed as the welcome was so warm from everyone. 

Each week she attends either a Physio session of 1.5-2hrs or a hydrotherapy session of 1hr -1.5 hr. Millie has gained so much from her time at the NMC, not only in maintaining her physical strength ( with those fabulous lengthy sessions) but also gleaning so much new invaluable information from the physios or other 'customers'. This has been particularly helpful with regard to her incredibly tough application for social care funding to enable her to study Law at Durham University. 

The NMC were able to introduce Millie to other like-minded people in a similar situation to herself who were able to share their experiences and she could learn from them. It was reassuring to know others had succeeded in achieving their goals and this increased Millie's own confidence. Millie feels totally at ease when I leave her in the capable hands of Jonny, Chloe, Paul or Gill and I know they have a lot of fun during the sessions - lots of healthy banter! 

All the knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment the physios have given Millie has been invaluable and we are both incredibly grateful.