I’ve been coming to White Lodge my whole life, which is over 53 years. My first introduction was when it was a school that also provided specialist therapy. I clearly remember the times they fitted me with leg splints that helped me stand and bear my own weight. I was also given a lot of hydrotherapy, which made a huge difference.
But even more importantly, they helped me learn how to communicate and build my confidence. Without their incredible support, care, and friendship, I wouldn’t be the independent person I am today.
I’m proud of my disability, but it was the amazing team at White Lodge who gave me the strength and encouragement to grow and develop into the person I’ve become.
Jason Vaughan, Current service user and White Lodge Ambassador
22 years ago, White Lodge started my family’s journey into the world of neurodiversity when my eldest son was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, aged 6. It was a shock to the system as we had no history (that we knew of!) or experience, but we felt supported on that journey. He is now a successful adult, both in his career and his personal life, which could not make me any happier! My middle son also has a diagnosis now and diagnoses are popping up in my wider family too so we are very well versed in the world of neurodiversity since that White Lodge introduction all those years ago!
Sarah Allmond
Thank you so much for all the incredible support you've given so many families over the years. I've been lucky enough to share a few families with you, and they have spoken so highly of your support. Wishing you all the best of luck for the future.
Vicki Tier
My daughter suffered a stroke at 6months old, we were referred to White Lodge Children's Therapy where she received the vital therapies she needed to help her learn and develop skills for her future. Every member of staff who worked with her were highly skilled and so caring. My daughter struggled in the beginning and the therapists worked immensely hard to encourage her to enjoy therapy, it turned to play for her and she started to enjoy the sessions. She made an amazing bond with each and every one of them.
She eventually attended nursery at White Lodge, where she continued her therapies, and without this intensive input, she would not be where she is today, thriving! Her strength was built through regular physio and occupational therapy, but it was only possible because she was determined to succeed, and that was a lesson taught to her by these amazing people on day one.
I find it hard to think about if we didn’t have the support of White Lodge Children’s Therapy back when our lives had been turned upside down. To take her to a specialist child therapy centre to give her the best chance to reach, crawl, stand, walk, and talk. They helped our family to see so many positives through the results of what regular input can do, and we will be forever grateful for everyone who was involved with her.
Alex Richards
Working for the children’s therapy team for 36 years as part of my administration role, you will not find a more dedicated and friendly team. This is a tremendous loss to the centre.
Sandra, former member of staff
Great visits and lovely to hear of the activities that had taken place. You knew that the day would be busy and fun whatever was taking place as the staff team were so supportive.
Family member/parent /carer
Over 40 years ago Lyne Cricket Club organised an attempt to get into the Guinness Book of Records by running a"longest ever bowlers run-up" from Lyne to The Oval. Surrey CC were very supportive and we achieved our goal, bowling the ball to one of their professionals before watching a Sunday game. We collected donations and were sponsored on behalf of White Lodge. Sadly the Guinness Record people disqualified our attempt for long forgotten reasons. We had a great day out though and it has been a pleasure to support WLC ever since. Best wishes from a long retired cricketer.
White Lodge supporter
We have always used the wonderful orthotics service with Andrew Tagg - who was always so kind to our daughter - thank you! Big shout out to Children's paediatric consultant, Dr. Lisa Wall - who has been so kind and understanding over all the years!
Tammy Segala
Having worked in the nursery for 27 years, I have gained so much knowledge from all aspects of each therapy. The loss will be so very much felt.
The input of a therapist on a child's life can be life-changing.
During a nursery mini marathon, a boy who had been taught Makaton signing was given coins for his collection pot by his Speech and Language Therapist (SLT). He promptly signed “No! Paper". He wanted paper money, so a £5 note was put in the pot by his SLT!
A young lady who is now 20 communicates with an AAC device using comprehensive sentences. She has literally been given a voice. The process for receiving this was started by her SLT when she was in nursery. She is just one example of how therapy can be life-changing.
One family said this to each person in the therapy and nursery team: "Thank you for being part of a team that has helped me access and enjoy life."
It is what the therapy team does that enables those with disabilities to access life, and for each to achieve their full potential. Literally enabling ability.
Thank you to all therapists past and present. For your dedication, impact and difference you have made to so very many over many years. White Lodge won't be the same without you, that's for sure.
Kyla
White Lodge came into our lives when my son was about 1 year old. He started with physio, then OT, then Speech and Language. At 2 1/2 years old he joined the White Lodge Nursery. I can’t thank the White Lodge therapy teams enough for what the have done- not only for my son but for me too, I was told he would never walk- he is very wobbly but walking . A thank you just doesn’t seem enough
Laura Carroll
My boy started therapy at White Lodge when he was around 8 months old. He had a traumatic birth, so an early intervention was very important for him to help him thrive and reach his milestones. He is 4 years old now and able to do a lot of things that we didn’t expect him to. Melanie is always ready to go above and beyond to make sure she is doing everything she can to help him.
Family member/parent/carer
Thank you to all the wonderful staff who assisted us at a very difficult time. The care and understanding shown to us was phenomenal.
Family member/parent/carer
Children's Therapy service has been a lifeline to many children and their families within the community, offering vital support and life-changing therapy over the 60 years + they have been at White Lodge. I've personally experienced the therapy service offered to my child, and the positive difference that it made. The team will be sorely missed, and we would like to wish them all the very best for the future.
White Lodge member of staff
A big THANK YOU to the incredible team at White Lodge for all the support you have given us. Your immense passion and dedication to helping every child achieve their goals truly shines through in everything you do. You have not only supported the children, but also their families and the staff in our setting during your visit here at Roslin. Your guidance, kindness, and commitment have made a lasting impact on our whole community. We wish you all the very best and hope you continue to support and inspire every child you meet on your ongoing journey. Your support will be deeply missed. Lots of love from the Roslin Nursery Team, Staines.
Aradhana Makhijani
We are so eternally grateful for the love and support that we were given at White Lodge. Our daughter was lucky enough to begin her therapy at 4 months old, and has now hit milestones that at one point we thought she would never hit. We have so many amazing memories, but the two that stand out was watching her take her first aided steps with the push-along trolley, and then when she just started to walk unaided with ease, to the surprise of not just us, but to Melanie and Lizzie as well. The whole team will be greatly missed.
Kate Gavin
I was a young, out-of-control fox terrier living with a staff member. Energetic and boisterous in the extreme, I was a handful to my family at home. At White Lodge, the children were so pleased to see me & I changed! Something in me understood the need to be calm and quiet. I enjoyed their gentle attention both in the classroom or accompanying the rides around the garden. I hope I gave them something to remember, just as I remembered them after each of my visits.
Bounce, canine volunteer
We were extremely fortunate to have White Lodge in our area. Our twins started at the centre in 1967 and we all benefited from the warmth, caring, reassurance and expertise of the physiotherapists and all the staff. It was a happy place as well as a centre of excellence which helped and nurtured so many children with Cerebral Palsy.
Two of the any memories I have of the centre were our lovely physiotherapist Barbara Gingell and the visit of the Duchess of Kent. The day our daughter went in her very best dress only to meet the Duchess in her vest and pants as she was doing her physio!
Family member/parent/carer
