A MOTHER and father have opened up about the difficult journey they faced when their daughter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Stacey and Lee Jones from Haywards Heath were in despair about Eliza’s shock condition and were struggling to come to terms with it.

The couple eventually got in contact with the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity which has been suppporting them ever since.

Mrs Jones said: “I can hand on heart say that if we hadn’t gone to the charity, I think I would have had a breakdown as I just couldn’t process what had happened.

“My husband and I, who communicate really well, just couldn’t discuss it.

“It felt like if we did it would mean it was actually happening, this thing we couldn’t fix.

“The charity saved us. It gave me the comfort of not feeling alone, armed me with knowledge and helped me understand it wasn’t my fault and life does go on.”

The couple’s journey started in December 2013 when Eliza was seven months old.

Mrs Jones knew something was wrong with her daughter as she hadn’t reached certain milestones, such as holding her head up, sitting without support and rolling over.

Mrs Jones said: “The day we got Eliza’s diagnosis will always be the day life as we knew it changed.

“We went into that room believing something was wrong, but something that could be fixed. It took ages to sink in.”

While attending a physiotherapy appointment Mrs Jones heard about the charity and within weeks the youngster, now three, was taking part in its early intervention sessions.

The charity uses a progressive approach to physiotherapy, teaching and learning that aims to give children better control over their movements and posture.

Eliza has learnt to be more independent while meeting other children with cerebral palsy.

Charity executive manager Pilar Cloud said: “Eliza is just one of hundreds of children we have helped throughout the south east.

“Having recently moved to a new, bigger centre in Cuckfield we are determined to support even more.

“We aim to show children everything they can do giving them the skills, strength and self-confidence to make early achievements from which they can develop further in later life.

“It is wonderful to see the progress our youngsters make and to hear from parents about how much we have helped.”

“Our message to all families is simply that we are here for them.”

Families do not need a formal diagnosis before using the charity’s services and information is available via 01444 473274 or dvlcc.org.uk.