This is our story
Our daughter, Bailey.
In 2017, when Bailey was just 7, she suffered a traumatic brain injury that turned her whole world upside down. Before her injury, she was a county-level gymnast and cheerleader—confident, full of life, and thriving. Although she did not lose her ability to walk or talk, she had to relearn essential fine motor skills, such as holding a pen. Through determination and years of hard work, she is now doing brilliantly in school.
However, the invisible effects of her injury remain the hardest. Bailey struggles daily with the emotional and social consequences. She finds it difficult to express her feelings, sees the world in black and white, and becomes deeply upset when situations feel unfair or unpredictable. Even something as simple as entering a shop and speaking to a staff member can feel overwhelming for her.
For the first time, Bailey has been offered a place on the Changing Minds with Pick Up a Penny programme, a small, charity-run initiative led by Dr Sara Young. Bailey is one of just five children invited to receive this specialist, trauma-informed, brain-based therapy. The programme includes:
- QEEG Brain Mapping
- Neurofeedback and Biofeedback
- Buteyko Breathing Techniques
- Psychological & Behavioural Therapy
Unfortunately, this life-changing treatment is not funded by the NHS, and to secure Bailey’s place while ensuring the charity can continue its work for other children, we need to raise over £18,000.
I am appealing to you both as a representative of our community and as a someone who get maximum public attention to:
- Help us raise urgent awareness and funding to secure Bailey’s treatment.
- Advocate for greater NHS and government support for children with brain injuries to access these specialist therapies without relying solely on charity fundraising.
Bailey’s future could be transformed with the right intervention now. Your support—whether by sharing our appeal, making a personal contribution, or helping us access appropriate funding routes—would make an immeasurable difference.
Thank you for taking the time to read Bailey’s story. I would be deeply grateful for the opportunity to discuss this further and to explore any way you might be able to assist.
We would hugely appreciate if you could help us raise awareness for the Changing Minds with Pick up a penny Charity that has given Bailey this life Changing oppurtunity. Please see below for the Charity website and our go fund me page.
https://changingmindswithpickupapenny.co.uk/
Her treatment started 2 days ago and it is life changing she is one of 5 in the country to treat her type of injury. We would massivly appreciate if you could get the charity some exposure si we can raise money for them.
Chris Rafferty & Michelle Patterson