Thanks for the Brian Kennedy Trust who genuinely donated £1862 which has impacted on The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice in a huge way. The funds have been used to completely revamp the art therapy room and provide art equipment which will be used by so many of our children and families. As well as framing nearly 40 painting around the hospice. He’s funny, passionate, caring, and a joy to be around as well as a massive Chelsea fan, Andy Speke aged 13 was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2. In general, SMA affects a person's physical abilities, such as moving, walking and breathing, it causes the muscles throughout the body to become weak. His condition means Andy depends on a wheelchair to get around; but despite this he’s currently just started at high school. Andy has found a real connection with art through the therapy sessions he receives at The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice, using it as a fantastic way to relax. He recently painted a picture to capture the essence of our Tower to Tower challenge which saw a team of 24 rowers complete the 450 Nautical Mile Row from London to Paris. A copy of Andy’s painting was given to everyone involved in the epic challenge during the official Thank You event. Andy said “It was one of the best days of my life and I can’t get my head round or believe that my painting is hanging in so many houses of some well-known celebrities.I love my painting sessions with Kevin, he’s a great guy and he’s given me the confidence to paint different things. I can do a painting and then feel comfortable about talking about how I feel and it helps me to handle things.” Kevin, Andy’s counsellor at The Donna Louise said, “We can’t thank the Brian Kennedy Trust enough for the impact that their donation has made. Art Therapy is a very effective way of working with children who may be going through difficult times, often struggling with the circumstances of their lives. What may be difficult to put into words, or even unknown in spoken language, can be expressed through the artwork they produce, as well as the building up of low self- esteem which completing a painting brings.” Andy and his family have been using the services at The Donna Louise for over 4 years. Andy’s Nan, Bev who is his main carer say’s “Andy loves coming to the hospice and enjoys throwing himself into all the activities on offer and has made some amazing friends.” Like many of our families mention, Andy added “My Nan didn’t think that we needed any support and that the hospice was for sick children. The place is amazing, everyone is welcoming and it’s given me the confidence and gives my Nan and Grandad time for them. If I didn’t come here to The Donna Louise I’d be stressed as it gives me the opportunity to clear my head.” To find out more visit http://www.donnalouisetrust.org/