Fashion Designer from Aberdare supports Welsh children’s charity
From Aberdare to IBIZA… , the creative genius behind designer label ‘RAIN Fashion’ Abigail Love will be joining BAFTA Winning makeup artist Sian Grigg and Co-owner of ‘Spectrum Collections’ Sophie Pycroft to support a Welsh children’s charity that makes a difference to the lives of children across Wales who have cerebral palsy.
These inspirational women, all from South Wales, will be joining established ladies event, ‘A Question of Women 2019’ as part of a chat show panel to share their stories, tips and humour and, most importantly, raise funds for Bobath Children’s Therapy Centre Wales.
Hosted by S4C’s Angharad Mair the evening, held at the Cardiff Marriott Hotel on 10th May 2019, will consist of a drinks reception, 2 course meal, an exclusive goodie bag for every guest, musical entertainment and chat show segment with our special guests. An evening not to be missed!
Abigail studied at Aberdare Girls Comprehensive before obtaining a BA Hons degree in Fashion Knitwear Design from The Nottingham Trent University where she won a worldwide competition that resulted in her collection being exhibited at international designer exhibition Pitti Filatti. Following on from that, her work was then published in Italian Vogue.
Since then, Abigail has worked as a Fashion Designer for Marks and Spencers, Peacocks, Tesco’s and Jane Norman as well as being the Design Consultant for Katie Price’s Babywear range and Consultant Creative Director for Tempest Fashion.
In 2014 Abigail launched her own fashion label ‘RAIN’. RAIN is described as a bohemian luxury ladies wear brand that is inspired by the rhythm of gypsy soul and western charm. RAIN’s first collection saw 30 stockists across the UK, Ireland and Ibiza. They were also some of the most sought after statement fashion items in TOPSHOP for the Christmas period of 2015.
“I am thrilled to be supporting the event” Said Abigail “Bobath Wales makes a hugely positive difference to the lives of children across Wales who have cerebral palsy. My Niece Berry attends the therapy centre in Whitchurch and I am delighted to support their annual Ladies event.”
The Welsh charity, based in Whitchurch, provides specialist therapy and treatment to children across Wales who have cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is the most common disability in children and affects an estimated 1,800 children in Wales. The charity not only supports the children but gives families practical advice and emotional support to cope with what can be an uncertain journey ahead.
Every year, the charity needs to raise £1.5M to keep the centre running. 76% of this overall income comes from donations, gifts in wills, retail activity and fundraising events such as ‘A Question of Women’ which means that the charity can continue to provide their services free of charge to families across Wales. Families with children like Arabella…
Arabella was born 10 weeks premature and was very poorly at birth. Her parents were told that she had complications with her heart and that she had bleeds on both sides of the brain. After 9 weeks in hospital, Arabella was allowed home but still required oxygen for over 6 months. After noticing that Arabella was using only her right hand , her parents, after discussions with their physiotherapist, decided to refer Arabella to Bobath Wales.
“When we arrived at Bobath for our first visit, we had mixed emotions,” said mum, Amanda. “We didn’t want Arabella to have any physical disability but we were immediately put at ease. The two physiotherapists who assessed Arabella were incredible and meeting with Glenys, the Family Support Officer was also a huge support. They were able to give us emotional support (more than they probably realise) in addition to giving us an individual programme to work on at home with Arabella.”
Since she was referred to Bobath Wales, Arabella has had blocks of specialist therapy, each consisting of five sessions over two weeks, every 4 months. She has just turned 2 and is meeting all her milestones and goals set out for her by the therapy team at the Centre.
“The impact that Bobath has had has been huge!” exclaimed Amanda. “With every block of therapy, Arabella’s development has progressed greatly. Without Bobath we really don’t think Arabella would be where she is to date.”
A Question of Women 2019 will take place on the 10th May 2019 at 7pm at The Cardiff Marriott Hotel. Tickets are £40pp and can be booked online via www.bobathwales.org or by calling the Bobath Wales fundraising team on 09290 522600.
- Bobath Wales is a registered charity providing specialist therapy to children from across Wales who have cerebral palsy.
- Cerebral palsy is the most common disability in children worldwide. It is a permanent disorder of posture and movement resulting from brain damage before, during, or up to 2 years after birth.
- The charity is the only organisation in Wales providing the Bobath treatment to children, from birth to 18, as well practical and emotional support to their families.
- The Therapy Team, consisting of expert level physiotherapists, occupational therapists and language therapists, work in a unique, trans-disciplinary way to deliver the intensive, bespoke therapy programmes.
- During 2017-18, 1,744 sessions of specialist therapy were delivered, both at the Children’s Centre in Whitchurch and across Wales in local community settings.
- It is estimated that there are 1,800 children living with Wales today who have cerebral palsy and that each year 70 babies will be born in the Principality with the condition.
- The charity needs to raise £1.5M to keep its services running this year. Last year, 76% of its income came from donations, gifts in Wills, retail and fundraising activities; with the remaining 24% from statutory sources.
- Bobath Wales has five charity shops (in Llanishen, Rhiwbina, Crwys Road, Talbot Green and Barry).
