Daniel's Story

Snowdrop for Brain Injured Children: Bridging Hope and Progress

Discover the heartfelt journey behind Snowdrop's inception and its transformative approach to treating cerebral palsy. Andrew Brereton, the founder of Snowdrop, is deeply connected to the cause through his own journey as a father to Daniel, who grappled with profound brain injuries from birth. These injuries led to a complex interplay of symptoms, encompassing aspects of quadriplegic cerebral palsy and autism, surpassing the conventional definitions of these diagnoses.

Tragically, Daniel's journey reached its end when he was 16 years of age, marked by a series of brainstem strokes. Andrew and his wife Janet, cognisant of the limited life expectancy dictated by Daniel's unique brain injury, navigated a path of relentless challenges.

The story begins in 1987 at North Staffordshire Maternity Hospital, where Daniel's life began. Swiftly, cerebral palsy was diagnosed, and the paediatrician's early diagnosis signalled the severity of his condition. The demanding circumstances soon necessitated Andrew's shift from a career as a chemist in the ceramics industry to dedicate himself to supporting Janet in caring for Daniel, whose sleeplessness posed unrelenting challenges.

As a father and caregiver, Andrew's growing interest in neuroscience and child development led him to embark on a transformative educational journey. Balancing his role as a caregiver, he pursued a university degree, culminating in an MSc in neuroscience and child development. This academic pursuit provided invaluable insights and techniques that positively impacted Daniel's quality of life.

Through Andrew's dedicated study, Daniel's world expanded. Initially cortically blind and deaf, Daniel gradually regained his senses, seeing his family and interacting with his siblings. This transformation, while seemingly modest on a global scale, revolutionised Daniel's life.

Despite Daniel's passing, his legacy lives on in the form of Snowdrop for Brain Injured Children. Drawing from the wealth of knowledge imparted by his son, Andrew established Snowdrop as a beacon of hope for children facing developmental disabilities and neuro-genetic disorders. Snowdrop's programs focus on developmental stimulation, executed within the child's home environment. Tailored to individual needs and family dynamics, these programs are designed to maximize progress without undue stress.

The indomitable spirit of Daniel fuels Snowdrop's mission. His enduring impact reverberates through countless lives globally, as the knowledge he imparted to Andrew empowers children to surpass their developmental expectations. Daniel's legacy resonates, reminding us that within every challenge lies the potential for progress and transformation