AFTER spending years as his mother’s carer, Danny Stepney has launched his own Swindon therapy charity to help others – but is struggling to meet growing costs.
Danny, 25, of Oakhurst, had cared for Christine, 51, constantly in the past few years after she was crippled by the muscle disease fibromyalgia.
And now he has decided he could do more to help others in the town.
With help from the Prince’s Trust he set up the Therapy Rooms in the former Wesleyan Chapel in Rodbourne to provide complementary and alternative medicines to people on a low income.
The centre also boasts spiritual healing, baby bonding sessions and outreach services for people wanting to quit smoking.
Now he wants to encourage more people to use the centre and is on the lookout for any volunteers who might be able to help.
Danny is soon to launch a school for young people who want to train as therapists.
He said: “I realised that there was not a lot out there for people on low incomes who were in chronic and crippling pain.
“We are a completely unique centre and the only other one which is similar to ours is in Birmingham, so this is it for people in the south west.
“I studied sports science at college so knew it was something I wanted to do but after caring for mum for the past few years I realised it was something that was needed in the Swindon community.
“Me and my volunteers are offering people on low incomes the crucial services they need that would cost the earth elsewhere.
“Also, by offering the same services to people who can afford to pay slightly more, we are able to start a hardship fund to help more people in Swindon.”
Danny’s mum, who had to give up her job as a primary school teacher because of her condition, says what her son has done is nothing short of a miracle.
She said: “I am so proud of Danny and what he has done. He is out there helping people in real need.
“I had to leave my job because I collapsed due to the condition – it was extremely painful. You can’t imagine living with pain, 24-7. It affects absolutely everything you do.
“Doctors just gave me pills to sleep and that just put me in a zombie mode – that’s no way to live your life.
“When I found out that the therapies I needed were too expensive my son initially trained himself with the determination of helping me.
“Because of Danny’s help and his therapies I now feel I can start looking at going back to work.
“I would urge anyone who suffers from a disease or condition which is affecting their quality of life to look into the centre and see the amazing work they do.”
Therapies at the centre cost from £10.
For more information call the Therapy Rooms on 01793 554780.
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