Elisabeth Svendsen Trust

When Cerys Edwards suffered a car crash at the age of one, doctors advised the family that she would never walk, talk or breathe on her own. Three years later, she is amazing doctors and family members by learning to stand and beginning to breathe without the assistance of a ventilator for short periods. Mum, Tracey, tells how visits to EST Birmingham have helped Cerys’ progress.

Following the serious car crash in 2006, Cerys tragically suffered multiple injuries, including complete paralysis and considerable brain damage. Now aged four, Cerys gets around in a wheelchair and is reliant on the support of a ventilator but visits the Birmingham centre of The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkey (EST) each week to take part in donkey riding therapy sessions.

The family became aware of the work of EST last summer and have been thrilled with the progress that Cerys has made since she began attending sessions. Cerys’ mum Tracey says: “It’s been lovely to see how much Cerys loves coming to her riding sessions; her face lights up when she sees the donkeys. Our visits are not only fun but also provide many physical benefits, there’s been a noticeable improvement in her posture and her head control since we started coming to EST.”

Tracey and Cerys are able to visit the centre at times that fit in with their schedule and enjoy quality time together in a safe environment with the full support of the staff. Tracey says: “The staff here are amazing, they understand and support the special needs that Cerys has. It’s a breath of fresh air to come here each week because it’s such a happy, safe environment.”

Tracey says: “The donkeys are brilliant and Cerys looks forward to every visit. Her favourite donkey at the centre is Hugo because he is so friendly and she loves the way he trots.”

Cerys continues to make incredible progress and recently astonished doctors at Stoke Mandeville hospital by standing up for the first time with the aid of calipers during a physiotherapy session and also breathing on her own for up to five minutes.

Over 750 children across the UK visit the charity’s five centres to receive donkey riding therapy and access the facilities. The charity makes no charge for its service and is entirely reliant on donations.