Help a child like Poppy shine this Christmas

Poppy’s initial years were filled with happiness, joy and discovery. She began to make her first sounds and take her first steps  – the most precious of family moments.

But then these precious moments began to stop and no one knew what was happening. After 12 months of tests and uncertainty, Poppy was diagnosed with an incredibly rare disease called Rett Syndrome.

Rett Syndrome affects around 1 in 10,000 girls worldwide. For Poppy, it impacts her balance, stability, energy levels, hand function and ability to communicate. The progressive nature of the condition has created ongoing uncertainty for her and her family.

When her mum, Rhiannon, discovered music therapy, everything changed. From her very first session, Poppy responded in ways her family had never seen before. Rhiannon said:

“That afternoon we watched our daughter thrive in a new situation for the very first time. We heard sounds from her we had never heard before. A focus we had never seen . A curiosity and an excitement we thought Poppy might never experience. A light had been switched on.”

Music therapy has given Poppy a space where she can express herself freely and engage with the world in a joyful and playful way. Through music she’s engaging her brain and body, which will help her to maintain her abilities for as long as possible.

Music has become a lifeline for three year old Poppy and her family.