Elisabeth Svendsen Trust

During my recent visit to EST Leeds, I met up again with Edward and his family. Edward was featured in September 2009 in the Daily Express and made an appearance on ITV’s This Morning programme, because he has selective mutism and benefits from our special donkey riding therapy.

Edwards’s special needs co-ordinator suggested he may benefit from donkey riding therapy. At first he wouldn’t talk to the staff or other children but gradually he became more confident and began whispering commands into the donkey’s ears. After nearly a year of riding therapy Edward now speaks more confidently to members of staff and volunteers and will ask his donkey to “walk on”.

When I first met Edward last year his mum Shelley told me he would only speak two or three words in a sentence, but when I met up with Shelley recently she said she is really pleased with his progress. He looks forward to Graham the driver coming to pick him up in the EST bus and talks about it for days before his visit and Edward is now happily saying five or six words in a sentence at home.

Edward’s brother Dan aged eleven, and sister Becca aged nine, join him in the school holidays and at Saturday Club where siblings can enjoy the riding sessions together, or in Dan’s case he likes to help the staff out with odd jobs around the centre. It is a huge benefit for families that parents can bring siblings, as it means they can all enjoy a day out together and play in the play area after riding the donkeys. It is also a chance for parents to relax over a tea or coffee and meet other parents, carers and supporters and share experiences.

Edward’s sister Becca will be running in the Leeds Junior Fun Run on the 9th May 2010 to show her support for her brother and for EST Leeds. Please visit her justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/becca-wright if you would like to support her, or find out more information.