“I volunteer just to see Eliza smile” says Sarah, one of our Tuesday morning session volunteers.
Sarah joined Muirfield Riding Therapy (MRT) as a volunteer a decade ago, and is particpant Eliza’s keyworker. Eliza has been coming to MRT for many years, mainly with the schools she has attended. She recently returned with her new school. At the start of each term the session teams all hold a planning meeting where Coaches and Volunteers consider each child’s condition and how we can best support them.
Rett Syndrome
Eliza has Rett Syndrome. It is a rare, progressive neurological condition, causing loss of motor skills and language, so we were keen to assess her health status prior to her starting back. Members of the school staff joined us for this meeting and offered valuable insights about the young people they were bringing. They also completed basic training so that they would be able to help with the children if required.
Trust
Eliza’s school staff team explained that when Eliza is in her wheelchair, she’s supported with straps to help her feel secure, so imagine how it must feel to go from this secure position up onto therapy pony Raiden, using our special hoist. Keeping her balance over this moving animal, Eliza needs trust in her therapy team.
Volunteer Sarah who has worked with Eliza in the past, is her allocated keyworker, and you can see clearly the connection they have.
Sarah says,
I volunteer just to see Eliza smile. When she smiles I can’t help but be uplifted.
Riding therapy is not just therapy for our participants, but our volunteers too.
