The "Action Cerebral Palsy" initiative will look to give all children living with the condition consistent access to early and intensive support.

"If children with cerebral palsy are going to reach their full potential, they should all have access to the same high-quality services," Christiansen said.

"It not only makes social sense, but also financial sense."

Action Cerebral Palsy added: "Early and intensive intervention can lead to significantly better outcomes for children with cerebral palsy and significant future benefits for society.

"With appropriate intervention, high levels of neuro-plasticity can be harnessed, allowing undamaged parts of the brain to take over some of the functions of the damaged part.

"A child's motor learning at this early stage will form the foundation for the independence that they can achieve in later life, independence that will enhance individual outcomes, improve participation in all aspects of life, reduce the costs of social and health care, and for many, enable greater academic achievement and ability to work."

Sophie Christiansen, who won three gold medals at the London 2012 Paralympics, is supporting the Action Cerebral Palsy campaign which looks to bring consistent support to the 30,000 children in the UK with the condition ©Getty Images



Amanda Richardson, chair of Action Cerebral Palsy, said that with the right support children with cerebral palsy can make can make "amazing progress".

"But we are fully aware that only a small proportion of the 1,800 children born with cerebral palsy every year receive the early and intensive intervention that can transform their lives," she added.

"By joining forces, we aim to get a better deal for all children with cerebral palsy."

Alongside the campaign a Parliamentary inquiry has been launched by Paul Maynard, MP for Blackpool North and Cleveley, the only Member of Parliament with cerebral palsy.

The inquiry will identify the policy changes needed to help children with cerebral palsy achieve their full potential.

It will explore the more fundamental changes needed to improve early intervention and more joined up working across education and health services for children with cerebral palsy.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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