Physiotherapist Rebecca Baldock has set up a charity for disabled children in Africa. MATTHEW JENKIN finds out more.

AFTER spending three years working in Uganda, a physiotherapist has set up her own charity to help disabled children there.

Rebecca Baldock, of Radmere Street, Greenwich, travelled to the south-west of the developing country in 2005.

While working in the remote region’s Kagando Hospital, the 28-year-old was moved by the patients she treated.

She said: “My parents lived in Africa and then as a student I went to Uganda in the summer holidays.

“I wanted to go back and do physiotherapy and I was working in a rural hospital.

“It felt like I was wearing my heart on my sleeve all the time and it was quite emotionally difficult and draining.

“But there were a lot of people we could do a lot for.”

She became involved with two major support groups in the area set up by parents with disabled children.

The Rwenzori Association of Parents of Children with Disabilities attempts to change the attitudes of parents towards disabled children.

While Save The Disabled Child Home’s mission is to improve the living standards and quality of life of children with disabilities.

On her return to the UK last year, Ms Baldock set up the Accomplish Children’s Trust to help fund the work of these groups.

She said: “Much of what the groups try to do is to change parents’ attitudes to their disabled offspring so they respect and value their children and arrange for them to be educated.

“Operations are expensive and can cost between one and four months’ pay. School fees are also costly.

“At Accomplish Children’s Trust, we want to make sure children with disabilities have the opportunity to accomplish their potential, hence the name.”

This year, the charity is focusing on healthcare and will help fund operations for children with conditions such as club feet.

This year, Accomplish has also provided 16 specialised seats for young people with cerebral palsy.

Ms Baldock said: “Sitting up daily will encourage them to develop strength and co-ordination, giving them a greater chance of being able to sit independently one day.

“Additionally, from a sitting position, they will be able to interact more with their environment.

“It is also a better position for breathing, eating and digestion, and regular changes in position will help to reduce the likelihood of getting pressure sores.”

For more information on the charity, visit accomplishtrust.org.uk