THE first milestone in our Project Chrysalis campaign has nearly been reached.

Almost £5,000 has been raised for Megan Baker House – taking us closer to our aim of raising £35,000 for the charity.

The funds will sponsor a year of life-changing conductive education for 10 children at the centre, near Leominster.

One of this week's large donations has come from Hereford Lions Club, which donated £500 to the appeal.

The club’s community support group chairman, Mike Hughes, said: "This is undoubtedly the most worthwhile project currently in the county and Lions Club wanted to show its support for the appeal fund and the efforts of the Hereford Times to make the public more aware of the outstanding work Megan Baker House does to help children with motor disabilities."

One of the children receiving help at the centre is 11-year-old Ruby – and her mum Liza Phillips says her daughter has gained 'great determination' as well as general improvement since she started attending in 2010.

The family discovered Megan Baker House when Ruby, who has cerebral palsy affecting all four limbs and her learning ability, started primary school.

Liza said: "Ruby started school being unable to walk unaided, she used a walker and was having regular physio sessions as well as other therapies but we were willing to give anything else a try to help build up her strength and improve her fine motor skills.

"We attended for an assessment and were very impressed with the team. They were very welcoming and explained to us what they could do to help. At the time, Ruby did not like to be separated from me and have someone else manipulating her but the staff were so calm and patient with her – and me – and after a few sessions, Ruby was happy to be part of the group. "Ruby felt and still does feel very at home there. She has always been with children of similar abilities so does not feel left out or unable to do something. Ruby does not see her sessions as exercise. It is made fun and she enjoys attending every week and seeing her fellow group members. This has been great for her confidence which has grown over time and she will give anything a try."

The team at Megan Baker House showed Ruby the best way for her to move and keep her posture and she responds well to the structure and repetition.

She said staff are also always very approachable and happy to answer questions, while they can talk with other parents of children with disabilities there too.

The charity helped Ruby take her first unaided steps, then built up to taking a step up a step and also work on fine motor skills with things like craft, writing and hand exercises.

She added: "We are very grateful to everyone at Megan Baker House, as without them, I know Ruby's progress would certainly not be as significant as it has been with their input.

"We hope Ruby will be attending for the next few years, as these sessions keep her strong and supple and have certainly set her up well for the future."

Ways to donate:

- Visit justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/meganbakerhouse/projectchrysalis

- Send a cheque to Megan Baker House, Moreton Eye, Leominster, HR6 0DP

- Call the charity on 01568 616179 to arrange a BACS transfer