Ellie Henry gets treatment to improve sight

Mar 13 2009 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

A LITTLE girl is looking forward to a bright future after receiving specialist equipment that is helping to bring back her sight.

Six-year-old Ellie Henry developed cerebral palsy after contracting meningitis when she was just two weeks old. It left her severely disabled and sadly the illness also nearly robbed her of her sight.

But the youngster has been offered fresh hope after funding was secured to buy a bubble column sensory light enabling her to see for the first time in more than five years.

Specialists are so impressed with the improvements made that Ellie, a pupil at Villa Real School, Consett, County Durham, has just been prescribed her first pair of glasses. The family received just under £500 from the County Durham Foundation.

Mum Tracey, 37, of Newton Hall, said: “Ellie works with a sensory impairment teacher who has been using light therapy with a bubble tube to develop her sight.

“There has been a significant difference and even the specialists at Sunderland Eye Infirmary have noticed. It’s just perseverance.

“Thanks to the foundation, we have been able to purchase a bubble tube for home, where we have seen a marked development in Ellie’s sight this year and it enables both her and her sister to play together.

“It is very rewarding to have a child like Ellie, but there are also very difficult times, when finding respite care for special children is nearly impossible and expensive.

“I am very lucky now to have fantastic people who help me care for Ellie.”

Bubble columns are often used in therapy for children with visual impairments and cerebral palsy to stimulate the optic nerve and develop visual awareness. It means that Ellie can now find her toys at home without assistance and play with her three-year-old sister Kayla.

The youngster is also looking forward to becoming a bridesmaid this summer for her carer Hannah Dye.

Barbara Gubbins, chief executive of County Durham Foundation, said: “We are so pleased to be able to help these children and their families through our existing funds.

“However there is a much greater need within the community than we currently are able to provide for.

“In a research report we had commissioned recently, increased long-term provision for people with disabilities was highlighted as a priority for County Durham and Darlington.”

Anyone who would like to find out how they can support local families can contact the foundation on

(0191) 383-0055 or visit www.countydurhamfoundation.org.uk