News Release

Herts boy benefits from London's Brainwave Walk for Kids which raises funds to support two disabled children on Programme for a year

22 June 2012- On 21 June London based companies got together to take part in a 5km treasure hunt around London raising enough funds to sponsor two children on a Brainwave Programme for an entire year. One of those children is nine year old Bastian from Arkley, Hertfordshire.

Children's charity Brainwave delivers home-based therapy programmes to children with a range of conditions including Cerebral Palsy, Downs, Autism and Development Delay.

The event saw 160 people complete a 5km treasure hunt around London which involved the completion of a fun "Stage and Screen" quiz as well as a prize for those completing the walk in the fastest time - won by the ‘6 sizzlers' from the Mears Group who got around the route in the quickest time and also did it in stilettos.

Emprise was the headline sponsor of the Brainwave Walk for Kids, which Tony Hampson, Executive Director at Emprise, describes as "an exciting, collaborative project that has enabled colleagues, clients and friends to come together in support of a truly excellent cause."  Pannone, Spencer Gleave, Berwin Leighton Paisner and Man Group were also corporate sponsors of the 2012 event.

Emprise and Brainwave had aimed to raise enough to sponsor this year's nominated child, Bastian a nine year-old boy from Arkley, Hertfordshire whose condition is undiagnosed, to receive a year of therapy. However over £8K was raised which is enough to provide a years' worth of therapy for two children on the Brainwave programme.

Tony Hampson commented, "We see our partnership with Brainwave as a great way to raise awareness of the important work Brainwave are doing for families like Bastian's across the country. We have enjoyed working with Brainwave over the last two years and having seen what a phenomenal contribution they make to the families involved, we are only too pleased to show our support and make our own contribution. "

Brainwave has three Centres including one in Somerset and two further Centres in Witham, Essex and in Birchwood, Warrington as well as satellite clinics in Ireland and Scotland so that families can access Brainwave wherever they are based in the UK.

Places on the Programme are available for children at all three Centres. For more information seewww.brainwave.org.uk; email:enquiries@brainwave.org.ukor phone: 01278 429089.

Contact: Press information: Jane Adkins, Tel: 01935 813114 or email:jane@aheadforpr.co.uk

Editor's notes

1. 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.

2. 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, returning to the Centre every 4-6 months when the exercises are adjusted.

3. Brainwave was set up in 1982 and moved into the Centre in Huntworth Gate, Bridgwater in 1986. This Centre operates as the Charity's head office.

4. The Greater London Centre is located in Witham, Essex.

5. Brainwave currently has over 550 families on Programme nationally.

6. See the charity's videos athttp://uk.youtube.com/BrainwaveCentre.

7. Brainwave uses mainstream neuroplasticity techniques in its Programmes. Most of its therapists are NHS trained.

8. Brainwave's President is HRH The Countess of WessexGCVO.

June 2012 (BW 83)