Marlowe is almost two years old and we began attending Playskill when she was just one. Like many parents who experience a straightforward pregnancy and birth, we believed we were bringing home a healthy baby. Although Marlowe seemed like a typical newborn at first, it soon became clear that she remained in that early stage longer than expected. If I’m honest, I initially enjoyed it - having seen how quickly my son grew up, I treasured those early baby days.

However, as we began attending baby groups, we started to notice how great the disparity truly was. While other babies were rolling, cooing and beginning to sit with support, Marlowe was not reaching those milestones. At nearly five months old, she was still unable to hold her head up. We sought medical advice and a doctor noted extreme hypermobility, which at the time was thought could be linked to her age. We began physiotherapy with the NHS, which was incredibly supportive.

As time went on, the gap between Marlowe and her peers became more noticeable. Everyday activities that many take for granted became challenges - without head control, feeding was difficult; without reaching, play was limited; and without engagement, bonding felt different. It was clear that this was not merely hypermobility. We began to process the loss of the future we had imagined and gradually came to terms with the journey ahead.

We found ourselves attending numerous appointments with physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, neurologists, audiologists, ophthalmologists and more. It was overwhelming. Then, our caseworker recommended Playskill, and everything began to change.

More than therapy: fnding a community

At Playskill, we found more than just support - we found a community. It is a place where families understand one another without judgement, and where Marlowe can interact with children at a similar developmental stage. While we are truly grateful for the care we have received from the NHS, it can sometimes feel spaced out, limiting its impact. The regular support from the volunteer therapists at Playskill has made an incredible difference.

Hope, progress and the journey ahead