Olly Murs visits charity that helps children flourish
Olly Murs spent the day with families at a children's charity on Wednesday.
The singer, who also became a father seven weeks ago, has been a patron of Brainwave, based in Bridgwater, Somerset, for 13 years.
Brainwave helps children with disabilities and additional needs by providing them with specialist physio and speech therapy.
"You walk in the door and feel like people care," Murs said.
He took on the role of patron after he "fell in love" with the charity.
"I felt like I wanted to give something back," he said.
Jazz, a mother from Wiltshire, has been supported by Brainwave since welcoming her son 16 months ago.
Robin was born prematurely at 27 weeks, after Jazz developed an infection during the pregnancy.
As a result, he was born with brain damage and cerebral palsy, and was admitted to the intensive care unit.
"We were told on day one that Robin might never walk, talk or do any of the normal things that a baby does.
"[Brainwave] gave us a little bit of hope and really listened to us," Jazz said.
Since visiting the centre, Robin's development has improved, and he is almost able to sit up.
Sally, who is originally from Manchester, spent seven hours a day doing exercises with her daughter, led by specialists from Brainwave.
Natalie, 34, was also born with cerebral palsy.
Since seeking help from the charity, Natalie has graduated from university with Bachelors and Masters degrees, and recently walked down the aisle at her wedding.
"Without Brainwave, none of this would have been possible," Natalie said.
Since becoming a father himself, Murs said he has grown "more determined" to raise awareness of the charity's work.
"When you become a dad you understand that you’ve got to look after this little person and you want to give them the best possible chances in life.
"I’ve only been a parent for seven weeks. I’m sure there’s going to be challenges to come, but what some of the parents have been going through since the start has been really, really difficult.
"They’ve got thick skin. They’ve come here, got the support and they’re really getting through it and they’re seeing their kids flourish.
"It's amazing", he said.
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