A THERAPY centre has launched an appeal for £50,000 to buy new equipment.

The Merlin Centre at Hewaswater, near St Austell, needs to replace its anti-gravity treadmill at a cost of around £40,000.

The treadmill makes those using it “feel like they are walking on the moon”.

To keep up with a growing list of clients, the neuro therapy centre also needs to buy two more thera-trainer bikes which are adapted for almost every type of disability.

“We are launching the Every Step Counts Campaign, one of our largest appeals to date, to try and secure funding for these very important pieces of equipment,” said Ellie May, from the charity.

“The anti-gravity treadmill is a fantastic piece of equipment. Sadly, we have been told that they are no longer making parts for our model, which old and in need of repair, and we will need to purchase a new one at a cost of around £40,000.”

The anti-gravity treadmill has been an invaluable part of many clients’ rehabilitation programmes. The specialist treadmill assists people to stand, walk and run with their bodyweight supported, allowing users to move without the need for mobility equipment or carers or therapists supporting them, providing freedom of movement and a sense of independence.

The charity says that on average the treadmill facilitates up to 720 sessions per year for clients as part of their ongoing physical therapy programmes.

One client, 19-year-old Nick, visits the centre to use the treadmill for rehabilitation after a fall which resulted in an acquired brain injury.

He said: “The anti-gravity treadmill is improving my ability to move forward in society and deal with the difficulties I face since my accident. This is facilitating many activities, helping me socialise and be part of a community. Ultimately, it’s given me the resilience to study with the aim to go to university.”

The charity, whose website can be found at www.merlincentre.org.uk, is urging people to support the appeal through donations and fundraisers.