BORDERS parents are raising money so their five-year-old daughter can continue therapy treatment for cerebral palsy.

Galashiels residents Laura and Chris Moore, both 37, have secured ABR therapy for their daughter Scarlett for the past four years.

And having noticed improvements in Scarlett’s abilities, the family are keen to continue the therapy.

Laura said: “We started ABR when she was just over one year old and so far we’ve noticed she used to have her hands tightly closed in a fist, she couldn’t open them, whereas now she can open and close her hands freely, she can touch her face.

“[ABR] has helped with her digestion.

“There’s lots of improvement that it’s helped with already.”

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Scarlett, who will start at Langlee Primary School’s Support Centre in August, is non-verbal and is PEG fed [a stomach tube].

ABR therapy helps to develop the relationship between a child’s brain and their body which may need support due to developmental disorders, or other related conditions.

“Once we found out [Scarlett] has cerebral palsy, we were researching for a long time any therapies or any way that we could help her the best that we could, just to be able to have the best life possible – that’s when we came across ABR therapy,” said Laura, who is Scarlett’s full-time carer.

The therapy, which is completed by parents at home, costs £6,000 per year for training sessions.

The family hope that by continuing the therapy, Scarlett will soon be able to hold her head up by herself.

“She has poor head control,” said Laura, “but since starting ABR her head control has improved a lot but it’s still got a long way to go until it’s improved more.

Border Telegraph: Laura and Chris Moore say five-year-old Scarlett (right) has seen her abilities improve through ABR therapy. Pictured here with sister Olivia, aged three.Laura and Chris Moore say five-year-old Scarlett (right) has seen her abilities improve through ABR therapy. Pictured here with sister Olivia, aged three.

“That’s our main focus just now – working on head control.

“ABR is a long process but it will take effect, it’s just hard work as anything is.”

ABR therapy is not provided through the NHS.

Since Laura and Chris launched their fundraiser almost four years ago, they have raised more than £20,000 for ABR therapy.

But Laura estimates that they currently have a pot of around £3,000, having already used funds to cover treatment.

Due to lack of funding, Laura and Chris were unable to attend last month’s ABR training session (usually held in Glasgow) so they are using the training they already have to maintain Scarlett’s sessions.

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But the family are due to return to training in June.

Looking to the future, Laura said: “I am hoping one day [Scarlett] will be able to hold her head up herself.

“We just want to offer her the best life she can possibly have. As long as she’s happy, we’re happy.”

The family also hope to raise money to take Scarlett over to Los Angeles, California, for a visit to the NAPA Centre which offers other specialist therapies.

Laura and Chris are running a raffle for a signed Celtic shirt and are taking part in the Kilt Walk this year with a team of seven so far.

The family are hoping any businesses interested in supporting Scarlett’s fundraiser will display a donation tin for customers to give to.

To donate directly to Scarlett’s therapy fund, visit: www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/just4children/scarlettsnextsteps