Elisabeth Svendsen TrustNeve
It's Neve's first visit to EST Sidmouth. She is here with her parents, Jo and Nick, from their home in Bedford, together with two of her aunties and uncles. Two and a half year old Neve was diagnosed with partial duplication of chromosome 18 at the age of 5 months which means that she has developmental delay.
Neve's mum Jo said: "All the kids in the family keep asking why Neve doesn't talk and we try to tell them that it's because she's very special. Coming along to the centre will help them understand why Neve is the way she is."
The family has known about the centre for many years. As a child, Jo remembers visiting the Donkey Sanctuary when she was on holiday in the area with her parents.
For Neve's second birthday, her grandfather adopted one of the EST donkeys. Today was extra special because Neve met her adopted donkey - Little Vijay for the first time and had her very first riding therapy session with her adopted donkey.
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Visit to see Little Vijay
Hi I just wanted to say what a lovely special place the centre is. The staff are friendly and caring and really helped interact with Neve whilst she was on her ride and before/after the session. The facilities are fantastic. There are lots of both inside and outside toys for all ages of children to play with. Neve loved the sensory room with bubble tubes and lighting and disco balls. Her sister Imogen enjoyed herself too. We will definitely be coming back. Hopefully it will be each year and Neve can grow up with the centre and her Little Vijay. A big thank you to everyone who was there on the day.