Charlie Veech was born with significant tongue-tie. For three years, his Carinda-based parents, Donna and Chris, were taking their son to regular sessions at a speech therapy clinic in Dubbo. When this closed they had nowhere to turn until they heard about Royal Far West.

“The outreach service happened to be in Walgett at the time,” recalls Donna. “So we went along and that was the beginning of a wonderful journey with Royal Far West – it’s made the world of difference.”

The Veech family attend Royal Far West every three months. Here they enjoy live-in accommodation as a family while Charlie receives the treatment he needs. Their week-stay usually consists of a range of appointments including occupational therapy, dental and paediatrician assessment and intense speech therapy. The family view their trips to Manly as a positive experience for all of them. Not only is their son receiving critical therapy for his wellbeing and growth, the break they have helps them to bond as a family unit.

“It’s been a real gift for us –we didn’t realise the range of services and treatments available here. Charlie has come along in leaps and bounds. He’s still difficult to understand but the change in him is amazing – he’s like a different little boy!” says Charlie’s father Chris.

The Veech family are typical of the many country families who rely on Royal Far West services every year. So much so, that they became our ‘living logo’ for the launch of our new brand in 2008.