By GEMMA BROWN gsomerville@cngroup.co.uk

Last updated at 10:12, Friday, 30 July 2010

MORE than £2,000 was raised during a fun day, which will kick-start a patient fund to offer a unique alternative therapy to children with movement disorders.

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Peter and Vicky Moffitt, who own and run Vallum Farm tearoom and ice cream parlour at East Wallhouses, on the Military Road, teamed up with physiotherapist Dorothee Debuse to organise the day of fun for families.

Dorothee, who runs her business Horse Power for Ability with husband Stuart from an equestrian centre at Tritlington, near Alnwick, practises hippotherapy – a form of treatment which has already helped the Moffitts’ three-year-old daughter Millie, who has a developmental delay.

The family believes the specialist physiotherapy which makes use of the movement impulses of a walking horse to help the individual in the saddle, has already improved Millie’s muscle tone and posture.

And, as Millie’s condition puts her on par with a one-year-old, meaning she has yet to walk, talk or crawl, the Moffits are keen that more children have access to the treatment, which is commonplace in other European countries, including Dorothee’s native Germany.

Vicky said: “Because of its specialist nature and the training of the horse or pony which has to be involved, the sessions are expensive, and of course not all families with children like Millie will be able to afford that.”

So the two joined forces to organise the event, as a way of subsidising treatment for other children who may need it.

“We can’t believe how generous people were with donating prizes for our auction and were totally touched by how many people came on the day,” explained Vicky.

A grand total of £2,094 was raised via a silent auction, stalls, a barbecue and ice cream.

Families could enjoy a nature walk with Dorothee’s hippotherapy pony Rowan and face painting with Sue Moffitt of Newton’s Fifiefofum art gallery.

Meanwhile a field kitchen with Barrasford Arms chef Tony Binks at the helm was serving culinary delights using fresh produce grown and prepared on the Vallum Farm site by North Country Organics and Bywell Smokery.

Penne pasta with broccoli, courgette ribbons, onions, a splash of cream and some of the smokery’s hot smoked salmon, proved popular, as did beetroot and sour cream pittas with salad leaves.

Music from local folk group Beeswing also formed part of the afternoon’s entertainment.

Dorothee said: “We are totally overwhelmed by the support we received from so many people and businesses, not least Vicky and Peter.

“I can’t thank them enough for making it all happen and putting so much thought, effort and resources behind it!

“And many people who came did not only seem to have a good day out, they showed some genuine interest in our work and wanted to know more about it.”

For more information on hippotherapy, visit www.horsepowerforability.com

First published at 09:42, Friday, 30 July 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk