Windfall will help others like my Callum

A REVOLUTIONARY treatment that has achieved spectacular results for Oldham children with neurological conditions is being expanded after a Lottery windfall.

The Centre for Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Development — BIRD — has pioneered a special exercise routine with Oldham pupils that has resulted in impressive improvements in their schoolwork, communication and behaviour.

The Chester-based charity has now been given an £86,000 slice of Big Lottery funding to help it continue its unique work and treble the amount of Oldham youngsters it helps. One of its success stories is Callum Morrison (11), from Moorside, who is autistic but has had his extreme behaviour transformed.

Mum Julie had been desperate for help and was sceptical the techniques would work but was willing to give anything a try.

Despite a difficult start, Julie says she’s amazed by the transformation in her son.

“I can’t begin to describe just what a different person he is today from two years ago. He’s calmer, he’s doing well at school, his reading has improved beyond recognition and I can do things and go places with him I just couldn’t have dreamed of before.

“The changes are simply unbelievable. How the exercises can change someone so much is incredible. Without BIRD, I don’t think I’d still be here now.”

Not only is Callum sitting his SATs this year, he’s also captain of the school’s swimming team.

BIRD treats people of all ages with a wide range of conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, communication disorders, autism, dyslexia and behavioural disorders – as well as adults who have suffered injury to the brain from strokes or accidents.



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