Wednesday 10 September 2014

Physiotherapy trio support kids charity holiday

Kelly, Mandy & Andy
UCLan PaST Lecturer Mandy Dunbar is heading to Florida as part of a charity holiday for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Mandy will accompany third year students Andy Horn and Kelly Dixon to the USA, as they support the children during their once-in-a-lifetime trip.

They will join two other Physiotherapists and ten nursing students from Universities across the North West.

The trio have spent the past few weeks undertaking training for the trip, meeting the children and their families and attended a number of planning events and discussions.

Mandy said: "The children we're supporting have lives which are usually defined by and dominated by their condition. Not this week! We are there to help that fade away.

"We're going to be treating the conditions and making sure the children remain well, but that's just so we can focus on the fun part. I'm really looking forward to seeing the children blossom.

"Just meeting someone else in the same position as you and has the same condition can be such a relief. Imagine doing that with Mickey Mouse looking over your shoulder!"

The holiday has been organised by the Destination Florida charity, and includes visits to five theme parks in seven days. Approximately 80 children will make the trip, with nearly 200 support staff alongside them.

Andy commented: "I can't wait to help the kids BE kids for a week, forget about their worries and focus on being children rather than sick children."

Kelly, who also volunteers with a group providing sporting activities for children with disabilities, added: "The children get so much from it. I wanted to see that on a bigger scale and see what could be achieved over the course of a week. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to develop my leadership skills and gain confidence too."

For more details about Destination Florida please click here.

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