TBLTF Awards

Applications for grants can be made online or by requesting an application form on our contact page.

 

2023

Montessori School – September 2023

In addition to supplying items for the two children mentioned below, following advice from an Occupational Therapist, the Trustees agreed to purchase a Sensory Hug Swing and a Sensory Mood Ball that would benefit all the children attending the Elmwood Montessori School (London). We hope the Mood Ball will help with sensory development and collaborative play. Also, the Swing should assist with development of the children's vestibular systems, as well as providing a calming environment where they can develop core strength, body awareness and relieve stress.

 

S – 4 years old – therapist Dawn Pembridge – September 2023

"S is diagnosed with Autism and is non verbal. Bowen Therapy has been used to help him to self regulate, and to think before he hits, pushes and scratches. S often craves feet off the floor and we use a swiss ball for him to roll on. His condition means he struggles to communicate with his peers and so doesn't have friends. A year down the line and he is definitely calmer, he can tolerate playing alongside children and can sometimes take turns. He can get angry if a child comes too close but he is more tolerant. At home he has been agressive towards his baby brother and older sister who he scratches, but Bowen has been used to help regulate his anger, especially at home, and to help his immune system."

The Fund provided a Carousel Spinning Seat, Light-up phones, Indoor trampoline, Weighted Blanket, and a LCD Writing Tablet.

 

M – 6 years old – therapist Lisa Brockwell – September 2023

"M was born with assistance of ventouse delivery due to pre-eclampsia. M was described by her mother as a 'picky eater'. She struggles with getting off to sleep and had been struggling with night terrors before she started her Bowen treatment. M struggled in the nursery setting. She would have frequent 'meltdowns'. She would often hide herself in small cosy spaces often between the coat pegs in the lobby and be difficult to remove. When she had a meltdown she would lay on the floor and bang her head and would be difficult to calm down, she had a very high pain threshold and if she hurt herself she would not cry. She had no sense of danger. M started her Bowen sessions in May 2021. She started with three sessions and then had monthly sessions extending to two monthly and then three monthly and then when needed. She was able to give feedback throughout her sessions and liked me to keep my hands on her when I gave her a break. M's mother would find her different after her Bowen sessions, especially if she had TMJ treatment. The third day after, M would be much calmer and able to focus better on tasks, having fewer 'meltdowns' both at school and at home. M was diagnosed with having Autism Spectrum Disorder in October 2022."

The Fund provided a Large Sensory Bean Bag Tunnel Pouf, Swinging Sensory Bag, Colour Changing LED Bubble Tube, and a Carousel Spinning Seat.

 

 

2021

K – 12 years old – therapist Erica Moss – August 2021

K. has cerebral palsy and is quadriplegic, attending a special school, and needs to use a wheelchair or standing frame (as she is unable to stand independently). She has been regularly receiving Bowen Therapy since 2017. Her family requested an off-road wheelchair that would be suitable for use at the seaside, so she could enjoy summer holidays with her family. K. was awarded a Hippocampe beach wheelchair and we are pleased to see she is already making good use of it!

 

 

2020

R – 6 years old – therapist Jo Wortley – November 2020

R. has the genetic disorder 'Syngap 1' (causing severe global developmental delay and epilepsy). Having identified the need to progress her communication and interactive skills, a 'TIMIO player' was found to be suitable (as she could not get on using a tablet computer). The TIMIO operates without a screen. Her father reports that his daughter "is pretty much inseparable from and enjoys exploring all the sounds and it keeps her engaged for ages".

 

 

E – 9 years old – therapist Pamela Dewener – June 2020

E. has Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, PICA and Learning Disability. He is extremely active and non-verbal. E. requires constant supervision; he is hyper-active and will sometimes self-harm. E.'s mother requested sensory items that would support him to regulate and we selected a fibre optic kit that he can use which is familiar (similar to kit he uses whilst at school) and safe (not dangerous when chewed!). We look forward to hearing how he gets on.

 

 

2019

Erin – therapists Erica Moss and Joanne Patterson – 2019

Erin was diagnosed with Epilepsy and Anxiety and in addition to her Bowen Therapy sessions, has been supported by TBLTF with nutritional optimisation for epilepsy, and anti-anxiety techniques by using the 'Getting Well Again' audio download. Erin uses the download as part of her recovery from seizures as she likes routine. "The interventions put in place for Erin have helped her immensely as well as keeping all of us as a family so positive. Thank you TBLTF."

Z – 7 years old – therapist Pamela Dewener – November 2019

Z. has a severe Autism with marked sensory processing disorder. As a result of this he displays severe challenging behaviours, experiences sleep difficulties and a highly restricted diet. He is very hyperactive and struggles to remain regulated especially due to his sensory needs. A piece of sensory equipment for use in the home was provided that will create a calming sensory space, which will help Z. to remain regulated and experience an improved state of wellbeing.

 

 

 

2017

Harvey – 9 years old – therapist Erica Moss – September 2017

Harvey has cerebral palsy and autism. He attends a school for children with special needs and, against the odds, appears to have a good understanding of others' feelings and is able to vocalise that. He is in a very supportive and loving family. He has been having Bowen for about 5 years and is a regular attender. Harvey is pictured here with his new autism sensory pack.

Noah – 4 years old – therapist Elaine Green – May 2017

Noah presented with global developmental delay and triplegic cerebral palsy with hypermobility. He has very few communication skills and this tends to make him frustrated. Noah is a delightful child and his parents naturally would like him to be able to express himself. To this end, TBLTF awarded Noah with an iPad with a Makaton signing app called ‘MyChoicePad’ through which Noah is now able to communicate.

Against all expectations, Noah is now able to get around by himself - his mum reported this was the best Christmas present ever! Watch a short video of Noah (December 2017).

2016

Alfie – 5 years old – therapist Erica Moss – November 2016

This little boy has Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome which means he has developmental delays and is unable to walk independently or to talk. TBLTF bought Alfie a swing in a frame which has meant he is able to go outside to do something he really enjoys! The swing gives Alfie sensory input and is calming when he feels frustrated.

Morgan – 12 years old – therapist Graham Hayden – November 2016

Morgan has significant global development delay which means he is totally reliant on others for all his needs. TBLTF contributed towards the cost of a buggy which allows him to access and experience new locations that are not possible with a wheelchair. According to his physiotherapist the buggy allows Morgan to be involved in family pursuits and will have a positive effect on his physical and mental wellbeing.

Boy - December 2016

This all terrain buggy allowed a young boy with disabilities to go to the beach with his parents and new puppy, an outing they would never have been able to do without this equipment. As a family they are looking forward to the new experiences they can share together. TBLTF has made this possible.

2015

A little boy named Joshua Mathias was awarded £900 for an iPad and an iPad holder. This will be really helpful for Josh when he sits in his wheelchair. Joshua has Cerebral Palsy and epilepsy and needs 24 hour care 7 days a week. Josh has been receiving Bowen for just over a year from Jennifer Webster; he has grown rapidly and requires increasing amounts of sensory stimulation to calm him if distressed.

TBLTF UK made a substantial contribution to Hannah and Sufyaan Ali-Khan (pictured with their mother Naima) towards powered wheelchairs in May. Both Hannah and Sufyaan have muscular dystrophy (SEPN-1). Hannah is also a carrier for Duchenne MD. The need for powered wheelchairs to support their mobility is essential and with the help of sponsorship from various other charities as well as TBLTF UK this was made possible.

Thank you to all of you who supported us at our stand at the Bowen Conference on 5-6 September, through the sale of our goody bags we raised £99.35. Thanks also to the organisers for donating money from the raffle to the fund in the sum of £200.

2014

Jayden on his new adapted bike being pushed by his grandmother

One of the recipients of the awards in 2014 was a little boy called Jayden, who has Hypoxic Brain Injury through near drowning. Jayden now has no voluntary movement in his limbs, he can’t speak or reliably swallow and it is not known whether he can hear or see. Jayden attends a school for children with profound learning difficulties where he appears to enjoy going and receives lots of stimulation (light, colour, sound). He also has regular Bowen treatments.

The trustees were delighted to be able to award £2000 towards an adapted bike that will help to:

2012-13

Rebecca’s paediatrician stated that she had no myelination happening in her brain (myelination being the process that causes maturation and allows ability to develop). Rebecca will need permanent and full-time care.

With the help from the fund her parents were able to buy her an especially adapted tricycle and below is a short paragraph of what her mother had to say:
"The bike arrived last Monday, so Rebecca went on it when she got home from school. I struggled to get her on it as she was so excited she wasn't giving me time to tie the straps up. She started peddling straight away.

Having the handle was a good idea as I am able to keep some control of her. Her ‘nain’ and ‘taid’ took her to Barmouth seaside to have a ride along the front and a good day was had. Both her grandparents were exhausted but Rebecca was ready for more."

Angus who was born with a chromosome disorder called Isodicentric 15 or Idic 15. This means that he has extra genetic material on his chromosome 15 that is thought to account for his symptoms and development issues which cause delays in language development and motor skills. At present there is no specific treatment that can undo any chromosome abnormality. The fund was able to help Angus by funding a HelpKidzLearn Easy Switch which allows Angus to have access, control and interact with simple computer graphics, sounds and games. Below is a comment from his dad:

"Both his life and ours have already changed markedly as he can now take some control and just start playing on the computer, while his parents take ten minutes or so break! (Something previously missing from our lives).

Angus, quite amazingly, picked up the correlation between pressing the switch and say, an aeroplane flying across the screen in what could only amount to ten minutes. His delight at being able to achieve this was remarkable."

Celt who has been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. With the help of the fund his parents were able to create a geulistrm free environment, which is essential for Celt’s wellbeing and also a trampoline for exercise.

The picture shows Celt and his mother receiving the TBLTF UK cheque from their Bowen practitioner Carole Hough.

"Celt is an adorable, happy little boy who is full of smiles and laughter and shows no sign of discomfort or grumpiness as you would expect having to go through all this medication and intense, almost brutal, physiotherapy."
(Carole Hough)

The picture below shows Harvey who has cerebral palsy. He was awarded a Britax traveller car seat.

His grandmother said:
“Being able to buy the Britax traveller car seat has made so much difference to a car journey with him, as you can imagine he has to spend a lot of time in the car. The Bowen Therapy is really making a difference to children’s lives and we as a family are extremely grateful for all your help.”
(Sylvia Thomas)

2011

On the 12th August, Leicester Bowen Children’s Clinic (LBCC) was the venue for the presentation of a swing by the Tom Bowen Legacy Trust Fund. It was attended by David and Birgitte Howells who ran the fund in the UK, Ron Phelan from Australia, Rose Ward (and some of her team from the clinic) and Amer Singh, the young recipient, and his parents. This is the first item to be presented to a child in the UK that has been fully funded by money raised.

Amer, has Autistic Spectrum Disorder and has made great improvements in the three years of regular visits to the childrens clinic. One of his ongoing issues has been that of co-ordination and balance and as part of his Occupational Therapy he has played on a specialist swing that gives important vestibular stimulation to encourage brain development.

The presentation of this swing – a robust garden model – will enable him to have more of this stimulation through fun and play.

Amer now attends a mainstream middle school full time with the help of a support worker. Teachers are pleased with his progress in language and social skills and he is presently showing interest in reading and how words are spelled.

2010

This presentation was made at the 2010 Bowen conference in Warwick where the UK branch of the fund was initially launched. The recipient of the fund was a little girl called Xena.

“It really is amazing and only just starting to sink in! You’ll be glad to know it has been put to use already at Coombe Abbey, a local park in Coventry. For the first time Xena has gone through the rougher wooded areas away from the paths. The Hippocampe performed amazingly. Xena was a bit nervous when crossing a foot long ravine, but due to the length and having two helpers it didn’t even slow us down. What an amazing machine. Many thanks again to you and the Bowen team. Best regards, Conny Schoon”