A CHARITY that provides free specialist therapy for youngsters with cerebral palsy has officially opened its new base in a former doctors' surgery.

Heel and Toe, which was founded in 2008, bought and converted the building in Front Street, Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, after raising the £150,000 needed in about a year.

The Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of the American media company that owns Newsquest, publisher of The Northern Echo and its sister papers, donated £9,400.

Volunteers gave their time to help with the conversion of the building so it can provide Conductive Education for youngsters from across the region.

Pelton has taken over from a leased building in Framwellgate Moor, Durham, as the charity’s headquarters,

The ribbon cutting ceremony was performed yesterday afternoon (Friday, October 3) by six-year-old Phillip Scott, of Sunderland, who uses the centre, Sunderland footballer Danny Graham and Metro Radio presenter Kelly Hinch, who are both charity patrons.

Heel and Toe’s chief executive, Doug Long, said: “We are absolutely delighted to open the brand new centre after a year of hard work and concentrated effort by our fundraising team.

“We really have been astounded by the support received from trusts and foundations, local companies, community groups and individuals.

“This is an absolutely fantastic achievement for a charity just about to turn six years old.

“To have our own building and to be able to extend our range of services for disabled children across the North-East.

“We are the only charity in the region to offer free Conductive Education to children with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities and also can now offer additional physiotherapy services, occupational therapy and holiday clubs.

“Since we were established in 2008 we rented premises and as our numbers increased, originally from just four children, up to around 100 every week, we obviously had to look for bigger premises.

“This new building will allow us to help even more children and also continue to increase our services so we become a one-stop shop for children with physical disabilities.”

Paul Scott, father of Phillip Scott, said: “Since coming to Heel and Toe we have seen a huge improvement in Phillip’s development.

“Not only are his muscles now more subtle and his movement improved so he can do things for himself, he also has come on leaps and bounds confidence-wise.

“He loves coming to Heel and Toe and this new centre is even better equipped with bigger rooms, modern facilities and a fantastic outdoor space where Phillip can go in the warmer weather to practice his wheelchair skills. “

Funding also came from The Mark Benevolent Fund, Wooden Spoon, Darlington Lions, Sanofi Fawdon, Winlaton West Lane Primary School and Dulux Lets Colour.

Staff from Northumbrian Water, Lloyds Bank’s Chester-le-Street and Siemens were among the volunteers who worked on the building.

For more information visit www.heelandtoe.org.uk or call 0191-386 8606.