Marelle Thornton, AM
Mrs Thornton has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1983. Mrs Thornton is President of Cerebral Palsy Alliance and Chairman of the Board of Directors. In 2008, Mrs Thornton retired from her career in primary school teaching to devote her focus to the service of people with cerebral palsy and their families. She is held in high regard for her leadership in expanding the vision and reach of the organisation. Mrs Thornton is also widely respected for her insight into the needs of people with a disability and their families which has shaped the development of our services. In 1996 Mrs Thornton was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her service to people with a disability.
Cerebral Palsy Alliance was the very first, and continues to be the longest surviving, organisation of its kind in the world.
My involvement with Cerebral Palsy Alliance began with the birth of my daughter in 1977 when she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. My daughter, Katie, has been the driving force behind my work and my inspiration to work for all children and families whose lives are forever changed when a member of their family is born with a disability.
In 2008 I celebrated 25 years on the Board of Directors. During that time I have seen a major shift to greater participation in the community and empowerment of people with cerebral palsy in areas such as employment, recreation and living arrangements. This shift has dramatically increased the quality of life for a great many people.
Cerebral Palsy Alliance (known at the time as The Spastic Centre) was founded in 1945 by Audrie and Neil McLeod who were searching for answers and services for their daughter, Jennifer, who was born with cerebral palsy. In an effort to provide appropriate, specialised services for children with cerebral palsy, and with a small group of like-minded parents, the McLeods established The Spastic Centre at Mosman, NSW. From that nucleus the organisation grew quite rapidly, and 65 years on, we are now able to offer services from over seventy sites, making it one of the largest non-government organisations in the disability sector. In recent years we have realised a long-held dream and expanded our services into rural New South Wales to offer therapy to children and support to families who, in the past, have had to travel great distances for essential services.
We pride ourselves on being an innovative and responsive organisation and look forward to embracing new technologies, research and exploring any avenue that promises to deliver profound benefits for children and adults with cerebral palsy and their families.
As Chairman and President, I am privileged to work alongside a talented and committed Board of Directors. Their experience and wisdom, giving, constant support and encouragement make my job both rewarding and fulfilling. As well, I never cease to be impressed by the skill and professionalism of Cerebral Palsy Alliance’s Senior Management and staff. Most importantly and closest to my heart are children and adults with cerebral palsy and their families. It is their determination, resilience and courage that motivate and energise me.
We constantly refer to Cerebral Palsy Alliance family, and I am very honoured to serve such a special and wonderful family.
Marelle Thornton, AM
