Music Therapy for Holly Martin (Come On Hollypop)

Gareth Churcher, Head of Service for Cornwall Music Service Trust, is completing an IRONMAN triathlon (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and a 26-mile run) to raise funds for Cornwall Music Service Trust's music therapy team so it can support Holly Martin.

Let Holly's mother introduce you to Holly and her story -

Holly grew up in Cornwall. She was a bright, active, and sociable girl who had ambitions of being a paramedic. She had a wicked sense of humour (in a good way) and was always good

company.

On the 12th of April 2021, at about 5:10, Holly had a life-changing accident. She fell from her horse and received a severe traumatic brain injury. She was airlifted to Bristol Children’s Hospital, where she stayed for over a year.

Holly has had to relearn how to do everything! Knowing Holly's love for music, we surrounded her with it. Her school friends made her a playlist on Spotify. She had a music teacher in the hospital who would visit once a week to play music to her and encourage her to join in any way she could. She had limited movement, but she could just about pick at the string of a guitar.

She was also offered Music Therapy with the wonderful Karen. Karen worked closely with Holly’s therapy team to encourage movement (physio), fine motor skills (OT), and breathing techniques (SALT).

Holly has continued to access music therapy on her return home! She is lucky enough to have Carine from CMST visit her at college one day a week. Her music sessions have helped her recovery immeasurably. Carine has used a vast range of techniques to help Holly with both her physical and mental health. She has continued to get stronger in all areas. Her coordination has improved; she has started to read some basic music again, she can copy patterns and rhythms, and, most excitedly, she has rediscovered her voice! Holly can remember all her old favourite songs and is learning new songs. She can now communicate more effectively, which greatly impacts her wellbeing in general.

I was blown away when Gareth told me he wanted to do another Iron Man for Holly. What a generous offer of his time and commitment! I guess you could liken Gareth’s training to Holly's journey. He will face a lot of ups and downs; the commitment to improve and keep pushing through that wall is immense, and he will battle injuries and accidents. He may meet people along the way who have doubts about his success, but what will bring him through all of that is the love and support from his family, friends and coaches, as well as that inner strength you need to have to complete this huge, physical challenge. Those are the people who know his true grit; they are the ones cheering him through checkpoints and finishing lines. They are giving him the encouragement and guidance he needs. By fundraising for Holly to have more music therapy, he’s helping fund one of those important coaches. He’s keeping that important part of the team going. Carine (Music Therapist) is there to guide, coach and encourage Holly through some of the biggest challenges of her life. Holly’s triathlon is a lifelong one that she can’t do alone. She needs her family, friends and coaches around her. Everyone in her team knows her true grit and tenacity, and we are all here to cheer her past her checkpoints, water stations and finishing lines. Gareth and Holly have plenty of PBs to beat, and they will both do them head-on like the true heroes they are!

Thank you, Gareth (and team), you are truly awesome!

Holly's Story