Eight-year-old Ava McHugh from Tallaght, Co Dublin was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy in 2010 when her parents realised she wasn't meeting her developmental milestones. Ava and her family would not be able to get by without the incredible support and services provided by Enable Ireland for much-needed therapy every week. She, along with nine year old Kyle from Kilkenny, is the adorable face of the TK Maxx Give Up Clothes For Good campaign, so we chatted to her mum Lynsey about their journey and daily life.
Naturally, the diagnosis was a shock for her family; especially for mum-of-two, Lynsey who we spoke to about her journey.
Admitting she worries about her daughter's future and what life might bring her she says, "We’ve had a few bumps in the road, but at the moment we’re on a straight stretch and we can see the sun shining. We’re in a good place right now and Ava is doing really well."
The condition affects Ava's legs, making the muscles extra tight and affecting her mobility. To help, Ava goes to a physiotherapist who, Lynsey says, has built up a great relationship with Ava. "The physio is based around fun, rather than just going in and doing physio. By incorporating games, Ava doesn’t even realise she's doing the exercises sometimes," says Lynsey.
Ava also has an occupational therapist who works on her fine motor skills, which helps with her reading and writing. But her favourite therapy is hydrotherapy, which takes place in a heated pool. The 36–38 degrees water soothes and loosens Ava’s muscles, whilst the therapists work to make sure she gets the maximum physical benefit from her time in the pool.
Lynsey told us, "Ava loves the water. It's fantastic for stretching her muscles and she is so much happier afterwards. Not only that, but her confidence grows, as she’s more supple and able to move around. She gets great things out of the hydrotherapy, which is lovely to see."
The programme of services is planned by Enable Ireland, which the family were linked to when Ava was first diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at two years of age. It's made a huge difference to the seven-year-old's quality of life. Lynsey explains, "Ava was walking badly when she was first diagnosed, and she still goes through rough patches now, but that and her confidence have come on amazingly."
Through the organisation, Ava also attends social groups that help children and their families get used to the diagnosis, preparing them for the questions other people might ask. Lynsey explains, "Ava has to wear splints and ankle/foot orthoses, which she hates some days. She knows she has to wear them but they are cumbersome. The social groups help by giving tips and explaining why she has to wear them."
The organisation doesn't just provide support for Ava, though. As well as being offered a Psychologist, the family has a number they can call if there is a problem with Ava, or if they have any questions or queries themselves. "It's like having an extended family," says Lynsey.
"They know everything about me and I share my worries with them. It's lovely to have that."
"You forget how much of a difference it's made because it's all just a daily routine to us now, but talking about it like this makes me realise just how much it has helped with us and Ava. Without Enable Ireland, Ava wouldn't be as mobile, or as happy a child. As for me, I think my sanity would have suffered and that’s no joke."
Building friendships with other families who are going through the same thing has also helped massively. "They know what your child is going through so you can talk about it. You make good relationships and you have support there for bad times and meet up for coffee and a chat.
"Enable Ireland has been a godsend to me – truly. They have been my safety net," says Lynsey.
Looking ahead, Lynsey says, "I can now see a much brighter future for Ava. The bright outlook and current "straight stretch" Lynsey mentioned earlier is no doubt helped by the fact that Ava recently attended a photo shoot with the beautiful Daisy Lowe to launch the TK Maxx
Give Up Clothes For Good campaign, and also features in the advertising which can be seen in TK Maxx store across the country. "The pictures are in stores at the moment, so her friends are calling her famous," laughed Lynsey.
Since 1997, TK Maxx Give Up Clothes For Good has raised €1.6m for Enable Ireland, helping to provide in centre and community based services to over 5,000 children and their families in local communities in 14 counties.
Everyone can take part: simply do a clear out and pack your items in any carrier bag. Drop it into any TK Maxx store where there is a dedicated collection point. That’s it!
TK Maxx then donate all of the items to be re-sold in Enable Ireland stores and all funds go to the charity to help them continue their important work. Each bag donated can help them raise approximately €20.
This year, TK Maxx wants to hear about the stories behind the clothes. Everybody has that old favourite piece of clothing that holds a special memory, be it the suit they wore to that all important job interview, the dress you wore on your 21st birthday or the skirt you were wearing when you went on that first date with your husband to be. Sharing your story is easy, just post a picture of the item, tell us your story and use the hashtag #IGiveUpMy
For full details on how to take part and to locate your nearest store, visit tkmaxx.ie or find us on Facebook/ Twitter #IGiveUpMy 
