Until recently, four-year-old Rowan Reardon could only access
hydrotherapy on a very limited basis at Severndale Special School
in Shrewsbury and on his visits to Hope House Children’s Hospice in
Oswestry.
Rowan was born prematurely and suffered severe brain damage.
He now suffers from cerebral palsy in all four limbs and severe
developmental problems. He also has epilepsy and is visually impaired.
He is not able to move by himself, and is completely reliant on his
family and carers.
But now Rowan and his family can enjoy a dip in his new Jacuzzi
spa, supplied by Oyster Pool and Leisure, of Raglan, Usk.
Rowan’s Dad, Paul, is a serving soldier in the Royal Logistic Corps
(RLC). He is based in Shrewsbury, and the family live in Service
quarters at Shawbury.
SSAFA Forces (Help Shropshire) helped and supported the family
to approach three military charities, who provided the funding for
the hot tub and gazebo for Rowan at his home in Shawbury. Paul’s
own Corps Benevolent Fund, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, and The Royal
British Legion all contributed to the cost of providing and installing
the spa and a gazebo.
Rowan loves being in his new spa. Hydrotherapy helps to reduce
pain, increases ranges of movement and muscle strength, and gives
a ‘feel good’ factor. For children with complex disabilities such as
Rowan’s, music and special lighting effects on the spa add multisensory
stimulation.
SSAFA
Tel. +44 (0)1743-344220
Email. shropshire@ssafa.org.uk
