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The Children's Trust:
Leo's Story

Building Confidence and Independence with Ceiling Hoist Rehabilitation

Leo is a courageous and determined 14-year-old who began his rehabilitation at The Children’s Trust in 2024 after a complex medical journey. Diagnosed with medulloblastoma in 2023, Leo underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Although the tumour was successfully removed, postoperative swelling led to a spinal cord injury, resulting in tetraplegia and respiratory complications that required a tracheostomy and ventilator support.

Initially, Leo was fully dependent on his ventilator and had minimal movement. His left side was significantly weaker than his right, and he struggled to sit unsupported or hold his head up for more than a few seconds. Early physiotherapy sessions were challenging, and Leo experienced fatigue, anxiety, and distress. However, with consistent support and a strong therapeutic relationship, Leo began to make remarkable progress.

During his first placement in 2024 at The Children’s Trust, Leo transitioned from relying on a spinal brace to sitting briefly unaided. He began accessing a supine standing frame and developed flickers of movement in his left leg, eventually kicking with his leg hovering off the floor. By the end of that phase, he could stand for short periods with support and transitioned from hoist transfers to using a manual transfer aid.

During his second placement in 2025, Leo returned with improved core and neck strength. He can now sit independently for up to two minutes and has gained more control over his left arm and leg. Using the GH3+ ceiling hoist with Trainer Module, Leo practices standing, weight-shifting, and stepping. Over the past 10 weeks, he has progressed from 25kg to 12kg of dynamic weight relief, enabling him to walk with parallel bars, a gutter frame, or a crocodile walker. He performs multiple sit-to-stands, step-ups, and kicking exercises with increasing strength and coordination. 

Notably, he now lifts his left foot completely off the floor and steps independently, no longer relying on pendulum-style movements.

The ceiling hoist has been instrumental in building Leo’s confidence and independence. It allows him to safely engage in daily activities and rehabilitation while conserving energy. He also uses a power chair when needed and is now eating orally, working toward a consistent routine that includes toileting and self-care.

Leo’s goals reflect his vibrant spirit and ambition: to walk with minimal help so he can take his future dog on walks, move around the house with a walking frame, manage his morning routine independently, and enjoy outdoor adventures like treetop climbing. He also hopes to use his hands to text friends and rejoin life beyond the rehabilitation setting.

The Children's Trust

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injuries and neuro disabilities, providing expert rehabilitation, education, and care. Its facilities are designed to meet the complex needs of young people undergoing intensive therapy, and recent investments in assistive technology are already making a measurable impact.

The installation of four GH3+ ceiling hoists with Trainer Modules was a transformative addition to the trust. These include a room covering system with GH3+, a Trainer Module, and positioning lock in their training room, as well as a straight rail system along a long corridor, specifically designed to support gait training. The remaining two hoists are in the lounge areas to improve accessibility and comfort during everyday activities. This allows the children to engage in rehabilitation in a safe, supported, and dynamic environment.