Sophie’s story
Our complementary therapies take a holistic approach to the well-being of the families we support. Open to the whole family unit, they offer a chance to ease stress, anxiety, aches and pains, while creating a space to relax.
Sophie, 18, shares how the therapy at Shooting Star has helped her manage Muscular Dystrophy and supported her to compete internationally in the Paralympic sport Boccia.
“I was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy when I was four years old,” shares Sophie. “It’s a muscle wasting condition, meaning my muscles gradually deteriorate and weaken over time. As a result, I’m a powered wheelchair user and require support from carers in many aspects of my life.
“I was introduced to Shooting Star Children’s Hospices through my hospital at the end of 2019 and attended some youth groups before the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, I’ve been using the hydrotherapy pool and complementary therapies, both of which have been very accessible and enjoyable.
“From the age of 11, I attended a school for children with disabilities and got introduced to Boccia during PE lessons. Not long after, I attended my first regional competition and since then I’ve had some amazing opportunities.
“Boccia is a Paralympic sport involving a target ball, known as the jack, and two teams of red and blue. The aim of the game is to get your balls as close as possible to the white jack ball. For people unable to throw the ball, you can use a ramp, making it one of the most accessible sports there is. Boccia is such a huge part of my life, I train regularly and travel frequently to camps and competitions. I enjoy playing the sport and have made some incredible memories since starting.
“Playing Boccia so regularly can have physical effects on my body, including pain and tightness. The complementary therapy I have with Caroline at Shooting Star significantly helps my body recover and feel more comfortable. It supports me alongside Boccia by easing both the physical and emotional impact. In turn, it improves my health and comfort in everyday life by helping me manage the effects Muscular Dystrophy has on my body.”
Alongside the world of Boccia, Sophie is currently studying at the University of Sussex. “Being a student and an athlete can make life very busy, so complementary therapy also has emotional benefits for me too. It helps me feel more relaxed and gives me time to switch off.
“The feeling I get the night before, as well as the day of my therapy sessions, are always memories I cherish. I get so excited to know I’m about to feel so at ease, and that’s a lovely memory I get to hold on to.
“I’d encourage young people to give complementary therapy a go, even if they felt nervous or unsure. It’s had such a huge impact on my life. The team at Shooting Star are incredibly accommodating to individual needs. They are really gentle and take the time to understand what is comfortable for you. Everyone is so welcoming and supportive, it’s always such a lovely place to walk into and be greeted by the kindest people … and I also love the biscuits,” smiles Sophie.
With your support we can continue to provide a wide range of therapies to help support young adults like Sophie, please consider donating today.
