Welcome to Shine’s Family Support race, taking place in June

Shine supports over 5000 families caring for children with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. Even when that child turns 18 and is considered to be an adult, the need for their family’s support can be just as essential due to the severity of their disability. Support is often a lifelong commitment.

As you can imagine, the stresses and strains of dealing with this 24 hours a day are enormous and can often result in the breakdown of a family unit. Brothers and sisters sometimes feel that they miss out due to the attention given to their disabled sibling. 

The financial burden is also huge as it is essential to ensure that the child has the best equipment to make their life as comfortable as possible, such as the correct wheelchair and because one, or both parents, may not be available for work the affordability of the equipment is a stretch on their resources. There are also further financial implications due to possible vehicle adaptations and journeys to an array of hospitals to gain the best treatment for the different aspects of their disability.

Shine support families in various ways as soon as we become aware that they are having an affected baby. These include:

• Information on what to expect, where to get equipment                      
• Local support through one of our professional support workers
• Expert health advice from our experienced nursing staff
• Family events and weekends away when families can support each other
• Events for siblings when they are the focus of attention rather than their disabled brother or sister

ithout the generous support of companies and individuals we would not be able to continue providing this invaluable service to our members.

This is your chance to make a serious difference to their lives and have some fun while doing so!