Exercise programme gives schoolgirl educational lift

Mar 23 2008 by Catherine Evans, Wales On Sunday

HOMEWORK used to reduce Heidi Proudman to tears.

But now, thanks to a breakthrough treatment for learning difficulties, the 12-year-old from Powys has become a star pupil – and is having her work published by the Young Writers Association.

After watching her daughter’s confidence ebb away, mum Alison was at her wits’ end.

“Although Heidi hadn’t been diagnosed with dyslexia, she had problems with reading and writing and was three and a half years behind her classmates,” said Alison.

“She wasn’t picked on, but she didn’t have any confidence. She used to cry because she couldn’t do her work. I would get so frustrated because I didn’t know what to do.”

When a colleague told Alison about a pioneering treatment called the Dore Programme, which has helped celebrities such as Kenny Logan and Welsh rugby hero Scott Quinnell, she decided to give it a try.

“It’s an exercise programme that deals with children and adults who have learning problems such as dyslexia,” said Alison.

Heidi and her mother visited the Dore centre in Cardiff, where experts conducted tests and devised an exercise plan for Heidi. At first, Alison was sceptical.

But after 14 months on the programme – which cost £2,000 – Heidi has come on in leaps and bounds.

“The improvement in her school work is unbelievable,” said Alison. “I am extremely proud and emotional at the change in Heidi – Dore has helped her achieve things I wouldn’t have dreamt in a million years.”

For more information about the Dore Programme, visit www.dore.co.uk