In November 2005, we were told about the charity bibic, (British Institute for Brain Injured Children).

Our son, Christopher, then 21 months, had been diagnosed with Non-Specific Developmental Delay and although we were receiving a lot of valuable help from the NHS, as parents, we felt the need to do more.

After an initial three-day assessment at bibic's therapy centre in Somerset, a sensory programme was devised, tailored to Christopher's specific needs.

This programme consisted of practical exercises and advice from a paediatrician, a developmental therapist, a physiotherapist, a speech therapist and a nutritionist.

Christopher was assessed
in a warm, friendly environment by professionals who for the duration of our stay gave us their undivided attention and breadth of knowledge.

For five months, we implemented the daily sensory programme at home and saw a real improvement in Christopher's development.

Sadly, however, on July 7 2006, Christopher died, aged just two years four months. His death was unexpected and could neither have been foreseen or prevented.

A part of Christopher's brain had not developed fully which would have explained his developmental delay. This would have impacted on other areas of Christopher's brain, namely those responsible for respiration, one of the many involuntary actions we take for granted.

Christopher, although at optimum health and close to mastering his biggest challenge to date, that of walking, stopped breathing on that tragic day and left all around him in a state of profound shock and devastation. Our gorgeous, brave, joyful, spirited little boy had died and our lives had been turned upside down in an instant.

Money raised in lieu of flowers for Christopher's funeral, was well in excess of £1,000 and we decided to split this money between Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Sheffield Children's Genetic Department and bibic.

Consequently, The Christopher David High bibic Memorial Fund was set up
in our son's memory.

Since March 2007, a total of £7,281 has been raised through sponsored events. All this money, plus other donations from friends, family and work colleagues, has been put to fantastic use in helping children suffering from brain related conditions to reach their potential.

Last autumn, bibic informed us that they are planning to build a short-stay residence and asked if we would like one of the rooms named after our beloved son.

The sensory room in bibic's present site, Knowle Hall, was a favourite of Christopher's, so it seemed fitting to ask that the new sensory room be named after our little boy.

All the money raised to date and any further donations will go directly to setting up and maintaining this room.

Nothing will ever bring Christopher back and the pain we feel as a family will never leave us, but we do gain comfort and strength in the knowledge that other children will benefit from money donated in our son's memory. Bibic came into our lives and provided us with a realistic focus and in a very short space of time, we did see signs of improvement in our little boy's development and have fond memories of our visit to Somerset.

Bibic offers training for parents and therapeutic support for children with neurological conditions and developmental delays.

If you feel bibic could help you, visit www.bibic.org.uk or give them a call on 01278 684060.