News
Fundraiser for ‘transformative’ therapy for nine-year-old Littlehampton girl
10 Sep 2025
A Littlehampton family is raising funds to send their nine-year-old daughter who has autism and sensory processing disorder to ‘transformative’ specialised riding therapy.
Patience Smith, 9, had a six-week ‘Changing Lives Through Horses’ programme funded by the British Horse Society at Cissbury Riding Stables, and the family now want her to be able to continue the therapy.
Mum Cindy, 51, said: ‘Patience has just completed her first term with Changing Lives Through Horses, and the transformation is nothing short of miraculous. We've witnessed a child who was often withdrawn and overwhelmed begin to engage with confidence and joy. Her capacity for emotional regulation has visibly improved; where once small triggers led to intense distress, she now shows increasing resilience and self-calming strategies. Her ability to focus during her home education has measurably improved, a direct result of the inner calm and boosted confidence she builds at the stables.’
"This isn't just about learning to ride; it's about developing foundational life skills: clearer communication, robust emotional control, heightened self-awareness, personal responsibility, and an undeniable surge in self-esteem that empowers her in ways no other intervention has."
Patience's Mum
The family need to raise £1,140 every six weeks to allow Patience to continue with the programme. Cindy is unable to work due to osteoarthritis and her husband Kevin, 41, is her carer.
Cindy added: ‘Please, become a part of Patience's incredible journey. Your generous contribution will directly allow Patience to continue her transformative path of growth and resilience, providing her with the consistent support she so desperately needs to navigate her world, build meaningful connections, and ultimately, flourish.’
The family is being supported by children’s charity Tree of Hope, which helps families raise money for children and young people like Patience for medical treatments and healthcare services not freely available to them through the NHS and social care. The charity provides fundraising guidance, campaign development, financial management, charity registration and emotional support from the Family Support team. Families like Patience’s benefit from having the support, tools and resources to fundraise effectively as well as access to gift aid, corporate support while also providing donor reassurance.
"We wish Patience and her family all the best with their fundraising. We are pleased to give them support in reaching their fundraising goals."
CEO
To donate to Patience’s fund, visit https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/get-involved/childrens-campaigns/patiences-path-to-progress-a-lifeline-through-horses/
