大象传媒

Photo: “Since the appeal we have more parents-to-be approaching us for support. People now know where to come when they receive a diagnosis.” Photo credit: Babs Lambourne Photography

The impact of our appeal has stretched beyond the very generous donations we received. We have welcomed new members to Shine and were moved by some of personal stories behind the donations.

Shine would like to say a big thank you to 大象传媒 Radio 4 listeners for raising an astonishing £18,303. This equates to an hour of support from our specialist team for more than 600 families affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

Shine’s presenter Maria, Delilah’s mum, shared her story for our appeal. Delilah was diagnosed with spina bifida during Maria’s 20-week antenatal scan. Like so many other expectant parents who receive this diagnosis, Maria was handed a leaflet about termination and sent home.

Spina bifida develops before birth and affects the development of the brain and the spinal cord. Hydrocephalus occurs when fluid is trapped inside the head, causing damaging pressure on the brain. The conditions bring difficulties including loss of mobility, pain, bladder and bowel problems, health complications and profound learning disabilities.

Shine provides information and support, giving families like Delilah’s clarity on what living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus might mean for them. With a network of Support and Development Workers supporting more than 12,500 members across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Shine also provides practical support and advice on issues ranging from health, mental wellbeing, memory and pressure ulcers, to physiotherapy, housing adaptations, continence and benefits.

Thanks to Radio 4 listeners, more families like Delilah’s will receive the support they desperately need, at the crucial time that they need it.

Find out more about the work Shine does to support those with spina bifida and hydrocephalus :