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Abstract

A father-of-two has organised a charity concert at the Union Chapel in Islington so that more children can benefit from the “life-changing” therapy his daughter has received.

Angel-based architect Michele Tarroni’s daughter Francesca was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when six months old. But thanks to pioneer­ing physio­therapist Jean-Pierre Maes, the five-year-old is now walking and using her shoulders and fingers.

Mr Tarroni, 45, has been amazed by the results. “It gives us hope,” he told the Tribune. “It has changed our lives dramatically. It is about giving freedom – the freedom to play in the park or catch a ball. Jean-Pierre is giving this little body the possibility of sharing life.”

Mr Tarroni, who lives in Stroud Green with his wife and Francesca’s twin sister, is now trying to raise as much money as possible to train more physiotherapists and bring down the cost of Maes therapy, which is not available on the NHS.

It is an intensive form of physiotherapy which helps children with cerebral palsy and similar neurological conditions by taking advantage of the plasticity of a child’s brain and allowing it to rewire and learn to function differently.

Mr Maes’ Mill Hill-based clinic is the only place in the UK practising the therapy.

Mr Tarroni, along with colleague Andre Baugh, set up Easy Dragons charity at their workplace, architects Stanton Williams, to raise cash for more Maes therapy.

Their next event is a concert, entitled Lonely Town, at the Union Chapel on Tuesday, March 22, featuring Italian singer Gioel and her band.

The cost of staging the concert has been met by sponsorship. Money raised will go to training physiotherapists in Maes therapy and to Cittadin­anza Onlus, an Italian charity which has a centre in India for 30 children with physical and mental problems.