On Thursday, 1st March Caterham Rotary Club welcomed Chris Quart to their meeting, who gave a fascinating talk about the work of The Children's Trust in Tadworth. The Children's Trust provides a range of services for children with multiple disabilities and is the UK's first dedicated paediatric rehabilitation centre for Acquired Brian Injury (ABI). The specialists who work at the centre help children who have sustained a brain injury to maximise their potential and build upon any initial recovery they might have made in hospital. A combination of therapy, nursing care and medical input maintains the child's health and quality of life in the long term and equips them for returning to their community.

During his talk Chris gave real examples of young people suffering from ABI whose lives had been transformed by the Trust. One such youngster was a teenager called Ben who was severely injured in a minibus accident while travelling home from a Sea Cadets trip. Left severely paralysed following the accident, Ben moved into the rehabiliation centre when he was well enough to leave Addenbrookes Hospital.

Chris said: "Addenbrookes saved Ben's life. The Children's Trust gave Ben a life worth living."

Eight-year-old Alfie was run over while out riding his bike and suffered a severe head injury. Years later, following his rehabilitation at The Children's Trust, Alfie said: "I came to the Trust on a stretcher and I left on a two-wheeled bicycle. I know it would not have happened without the help of The Children's Trust".

Chris explained how the Trusts's professional medical team focuses on the individual needs of each child in their care, and also offers support to their families. Many of the families are in residence at the centre to be close to their children while they get used to their new surroundings.

"The Trust is a local, hands-on charity that is a remarkable rehabilitation centre," said Chris. "It is unique in providing the facilities it does in this country."

On Monday 14th May the Rotary Club of Caterham, who meet at The Surrey National Golf Club in Chaldon each week, is holding a Charity Golf Day in aid of The Children's Trust. The club is seeking teams of four and individuals to take part in the event that is being held at Bletchingley Golf Club. For more information and entry forms call David Monk on 01883 341109 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To learn more about the work of The Children's Trust, visit www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk