Starbucks Peterborough Cathedral Gateway

Shine is the national charity for people living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The charity now has more than 11,500 members. Shine provides specialist support from before birth and throughout the life of anyone living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, as well as to parents, families, carers and professional care staff. Shine enables people to get the best out of life. Shine responds to more than 14,500 requests for help each year! Our network of health, education and support advisers is on hand to give reassurance and guidance, and we also run events for children and their families, provide tailored information, and campaign for access to better services. Spina bifida – literally ‘split spine – occurs when the spine fails to close very early in a baby’s development in the womb. This damages nerves in the affected area causing problems such as loss of feeling, paralysis or chronic pain. Children with spina bifida often undergo repeated operations, and frequent complications. Hydrocephalus – literally ‘water on the brain’ – occurs when too much fluid builds-up in the brain, causing harm to the areas affected – including those which control memory, coordination, balance and thinking. A tube-like device (‘shunt’) drains the fluid away from the brain into the stomach to prevent further damage.