Ben, Josie and Rachel are 12-year-old triplets. After they were born prematurely, Ben caught a meningitis-like viral infection, cried continuously and wouldn’t feed. Instead of feeling joy at bringing their new family into the world, his parents felt as if they were in a long dark tunnel with no end in sight.
When the children were a few months old, their mother, Susan, heard about the Norwood twins and triplets support group at the Kennedy Leigh Children and Family Centre in Hendon. She found a warm and welcoming environment and the trained staff immediately identified that Ben had special needs. They recommended the Rainbow group for mothers and their children with special needs where Susan received the support and understanding that she desperately needed.
Ben was 9 months old when he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. His parents didn’t know whether he would walk or talk and the uncertainty made it difficult to relate to their son. They were referred to a Norwood counsellor who helped them come to terms with their emotions and Ben’s disabilities.
Since then, Norwood’s services have always been there for Ben and his family. Robin attended the father’s support group. Ben spends nights at Buckets and Spades Lodge, Norwood’s 24 hour respite centre, giving Susan and Robin a break from the physical and emotional demands of caring for him, and a chance to spend special time with Josie and Rachel. Ben also enjoys going to Unity, Norwood’s recreational scheme for children with disabilities, and he participates in our Unity residential holidays.
Norwood has supported Ben and his family every step of the way and with your help we can ensure that we will always be there for them, and for other children like Ben, in the future.
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