Staff from a centre that provides physical therapy for disabled children in Merseyside has launched a fundraiser to heat the premises through 'very cold' winters.
Rebounders Therapy and Training Centre, located in Pheonix Park Industrial Estate in Speke, uses a trampoline to provide therapeutic exercise and enjoyment to children with a wide range of disabilities.
The centre was opened in July 2021, by owner and mum-of-two Nicola Breslin from Bootle .
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Nicola started her career as a teaching assistant with autistic children, before re-training in 'Rebound Therapy.' She described running the centre, with the help of three volunteers as "a dream come true."
She said: "With the help and support of my family I was able to purchase a pre-used trampoline and get the centre ready for opening. It’s a dream come true to provide this service for the disability community and show families and professionals how fantastic Rebound Therapy is.
"Seeing the faces of the students enjoying the sessions is heartwarming and the feedback from parents have been amazing."
She added: "In only a few short months the centre has had so many enquires and I want to provide this service year after year."
However, the industrial unit in which the centre is based has proved difficult to heat.
Nicola said: "When we moved in to the unit last July the weather was great but we notice the chill during the winter months.
"The unit has high ceilings due to the nature of the the therapy so basic heaters haven’t worked and it’s hard to keep the centre warm.
"Although the students are getting warm due to bouncing, the area where the parents sit and wait can be very cold. Some of the sessions I want to offer are for students in wheelchairs with physical disabilities.
"With the centre being cold, this environment is less conducive for the therapy - so having a heating system installed would help open up more availability for a day centre and adult disability groups."
To keep her dream alive, Nicola launched a GoFundMe page, with a target of £1,500 to purchase a heating system. In five days the page has raised £150 between eight contributors.
Nicola expressed "a huge thank you" to those that have donated already.
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
