Alison's 02 climb in memory of Lottie Chown

I’m one of triplets who were all born with cerebral palsy. Throughout our childhood, we were supported with physiotherapy, conductive education, hydrotherapy, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. These interventions and ongoing support shaped our lives. They helped us discover what we were capable of, gain some independence and increase our mobility. It allowed us to flourish, explore the world around us and enjoy so much of what life has to offer.
 
That support ends too soon.
 
Currently, when someone with cerebral palsy reaches 18 and leaves children’s services, all the support disappears overnight. There is very limited specialist support, no coordinated medical care and a lack of understanding about how cerebral palsy affects adults. It’s as if people forget that disabled children grow up to become disabled adults!
 
UP – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement is working to change that. I joined the community and became an advocate earlier this year.
 
UP focuses on:
 
• Building a Community: Bringing adults with cerebral palsy together to support each other. Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood and affects approximately 130,000 adults in the UK.
 
• Education: Helping doctors, nurses and allied health professionals understand how cerebral palsy affects the body throughout adulthood. Everyday tasks like moving around, showering, or getting dressed require at least three times more energy. Over time, this increases wear and tear on muscles, joints and limbs and speeds up the ageing process. Pain and fatigue can become more intense. Better education and awareness means better treatment, better support and better guidance.
 
• Campaigning: Working with policy makers and politicians to secure better services for adults; the services adults desperately need and deserve.
 
To mark World Cerebral Palsy Day on 6th October, UP’s theme this year is Speak Up. A campaign that will bring people together and ensure that the voices of adults with cerebral palsy are heard and understood so necessary changes can happen. My challenge will help raise vital funds so UP can continue its work and create better, more supported lives for adults with cerebral palsy.
 
This year is particularly significant for us. In 2006, we lost our sister Lottie to complications from cerebral palsy. As we approach her 20th anniversary, I can’t think of a more fitting tribute than completing the O2 climb challenge. I will Speak Up on Lottie's behalf and let the world know that we MUST do better.

Any future changes won’t help Lottie, but they will help others like her receive a better standard of care and the support they deserve throughout their adult lives.
 
Every donation, however big or small, is truly appreciated. Lottie is remembered as the colourful, loud and wonderfully uncooperative force of nature she was, with a will of iron. This climb is for her, and for every adult with cerebral palsy who deserves better.