THE dreams of a seven-year-old girl from Merseyside have been made a reality thanks to those behind World Cerebral Palsy Day (WCPD).

Sally Garster – who attends weekly sessions at Wirral-based charity Stick ‘n’ Step – was announced as the winner of a national competition aimed at raising awareness of the condition.

Each year, people with cerebral palsy, their families and supporters, post 60 second videos on the WCPD website, detailing an idea for something that would change their world.

People worldwide then vote for their favourite ideas, which are reviewed by an international panel – with Sally’s idea for a house made of sponge chosen as the winner.

The seven-year-old, from Mossley Hill, Liverpool, said a house made of sponge would prevent her from bumping into things when she is in the comfort of her own home.

It was through Stick ‘n’ Step that her idea was presented to WCPD back in October 2014, for its annual competition ‘Invent it’.  

The idea was then pitched to inventors, researchers and creators worldwide, who had the opportunity to create a design or prototype.

Inventors were tasked with designing a living space that would minimise the risk of injury from knocks, bumps and falls for people living with cerebral palsy. The successful designers have created areas which will provide children with cerebral palsy a place of safety and comfort in their own homes.                  

Designers produced two products, including an Access a Better Living Environment (A.B.L.E) and an Ability Home.

Sarah Smithson, operations manager at Stick ‘n’ Step, said: “It is fantastic to see designers and inventors creating a product that was inspired by Sally. This product could potentially help children with cerebral palsy all over the world, providing complete comfort and safety to play and relax.

“Due to the symptoms of cerebral palsy there is an increased risk of falls and injuries so this product could be life changing to many families. It is incredible to think that Sally came up with this idea. We are all very proud of her and hope that she is thoroughly pleased with the outcome of the competition.”

There are 17 million people across the world living with cerebral palsy and it is the most common physical disability in childhood.

In the UK, there are approximately 110,000 children and adults currently living with the condition and it affects around one in every 400 children.

Stick ‘n’ Step was formed in 2002 by a group of parents who have children with cerebral palsy. It provides free specialist conductive education and support services to 70 children with cerebral palsy and their families and carers across the North West of England and North Wales.

Conductive education is a non-medical based developmental aid, which promotes independence for those with conditions like cerebral palsy, and is not offered by the NHS. It helps young people to learn new skills such as head control, moving around independently, sitting unaided, walking and more.

For more information about Stick ‘n’ Step visit sticknstep.org.