Every great charity begins with a spark — a moment when a group of people decide that something important must continue. For Stick ‘n’ Step, that moment happened in 2002, when a vital conductive education service for children with cerebral palsy was suddenly withdrawn.
Rather than accept the loss, a group of determined parents rallied together, raising funds themselves and transforming a donated space into a centre where their children could continue to learn, develop and thrive. Their passion laid the foundation for the incredible charity they are today.
Without their dedication, Stick ‘n’ Step simply wouldn’t exist.
Growing to Support Even More Families
Since those humble beginnings, Stick ‘n’ Step has grown into a life-changing organisation supporting over 120 children and their families every year.
- In 2009, the charity moved into its Wallasey centre.
- In 2017, thanks to the Steve Morgan Foundation, a second centre opened in Runcorn.
Today, children aged from just 6 months up to 25 years access free weekly conductive education therapy designed to improve mobility, independence, confidence, and everyday life skills. For many families, these sessions are transformational — offering hope, community, and a future filled with possibility.
What Drives Stick ‘n’ Step?
The mission is simple but powerful:
To enable, inspire and support children living with cerebral palsy, and their families.
Conductive Education helps children develop physical and cognitive skills that many of us take for granted — such as balance, coordination, mobility, communication and independence. The sessions are not only educational, but fun, creative, and confidence-building.
Powered by Community Support
One remarkable fact stands out:
Stick ‘n’ Step receives no statutory funding.
Everything the charity provides is made possible through:
- Local community fundraising
- Business support
- Grants and foundations
- Individual donations
- Events and sponsorships
It costs around £750,000 each year to run both centres — or roughly £1,750 per day. Every pound truly makes a difference.
Recent support from Co-Op Wallasey Village, for example, helped purchase art and craft materials which allow children to work on fine motor skills while having fun — a simple but hugely important part of their development.
Fundraising Highlights of 2025
Stick ‘n’ Step had an exciting calendar of events that bring the community together while raising essential funds:
- Strictly Stick ‘n’ Step – 6th March
- Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month – March
- Pryors Hayes Golf Day – May
- Wirral Walk / Kayak Challenge – 7th June
- World Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day – 6th October
- Annual Race Night – 28th November
- Big Give Match Funding Campaign – 2nd–9th December
- Liverpool Santa Dash – 7th December
- Christmas Jumper Day – 11th December (with Vigo participating)
- Christmas Community Event – 20th December
This year was particularly exciting, with the charity securing its largest ever £13,000 match funding pledge. If £13,000 was raised during Big Give week, the total would be doubled — enough to open the centres for 15 additional days. The charity exceeded expectations, raising £29,300. A huge well done to everyone involved.
How You Can Make a Difference
Whether you’re an individual, a local business, a school or a community group, there are many ways to get involved.
Sponsorship Opportunities
- £50 – Sponsor a golf day hole
- £100 – Donate 50 selection boxes
- £250 – Race Night headline sponsor (funds doubled)
- £500–£1,000 – Christmas event sponsorship
- £1,000+ – Strictly sponsorship opportunities
- £1,500 – Halfway House sponsor at the golf day
Volunteer With Them
- Events and bucket collections
- Wrapping Christmas presents
- Corporate match-funding volunteer days
Fundraise Your Way
- Organise a team challenge such as a skydive, shark dive or abseil
- Hold a bake sale or coffee morning
- Run a workplace raffle
Spread the Word
- Share social posts
- Display the events calendar
- Recommend the charity to colleagues and friends
The People Behind the Charity
Stick ‘n’ Step is powered by:
- 20 dedicated staff members
- 8 regular volunteers
- 7 trustees
All working together to provide the best possible support for children and families.
Looking Ahead
The next 6–12 months are focused on:
- Unlocking the £13,000 Big Give funding
- Expanding support for families
- Strengthening community partnerships
- Continuing to provide life-changing therapy
All while maintaining the joy, positivity and fun that Stick ‘n’ Step is known for.
Get Involved Today
- Events: www.sticknstep.org/events
- Donate: www.sticknstep.org/donate
- Volunteer or request a collection tin: Netty@sticknstep.org
Follow and share:
- Facebook: /sticknstep.charity
- Instagram: @sticknstep
- LinkedIn: Stick ‘n’ Step
Together, We Can Change Lives
Stick ‘n’ Step would love to connect with individuals and businesses who share their values and want to make a meaningful difference. Whether you donate, volunteer, sponsor an event or simply share their story, you become part of a community helping children with cerebral palsy take bold, empowering steps towards independence — while having fun along the way.
A Bit About the Contributor
A big thanks to Netty Doyle, a regional fundraiser for Stick ‘n’ Step, for all the information used in this article.
I met Netty at a Quay Business Forum network meeting and was completely bowled over by her enthusiasm and dedication. This isn’t just a job for Netty — her positive outlook and passion for the charity are infectious, making it impossible not to want to help.
I would recommend Stick ‘n’ Step to anyone looking for “the one” charity to support. Every contribution, no matter how small, is deeply appreciated and truly makes a difference. I encourage anyone considering a donation or support to get involved — you won’t regret it.
Stick ‘n’ Step have been a customer of Vigo IT Solutions since 2019, and we really appreciate their loyalty. We look forward to continuing as their Managed Service Provider and are incredibly proud to support such an inspiring organisation. Keep up the amazing work.
