Stuttering Foundation representatives Joe Fulcher and Jane Fraser joined actor Michael Palin and the staff of the Michael Palin Centre for Stammering Children at the September 11 reception at 10 Downing Street hosted by Mrs. Sarah Brown, wife of the Prime Minister Gordon Brown, in honor of the work done on behalf of children who stutter.

It was a most remarkable experience at such an historic site, commented Jane Fraser.

Speakers at the reception included Michael Palin, The Right Honorable Edward Balls, and noted author, Lord Max Egremont.

Cabinet Minister Ed Balls spoke eloquently of his difficulties as a stuttering child. In the past year, he has been a driving force in obtaining additional funding for children who stammer. This funding will help expand the work the Centre does in training therapists throughout the United Kingdom.

The Stuttering Foundation, in turn, is striving to promote these effective treatment ideas worldwide.

Lord Max Egremont also recalled his school days as a child who stammered and the difficulties that they entailed. Both joined in praise for the outstanding work on behalf of children and young people being carried out by the staff of the Michael Palin Centre.

In a recent letter to Jane Fraser, Balls emphasized, Helping children and young people who stutter is vital. Meeting and talking to so many people who work with the Centre, or are patients, really demonstrated just how important its work is.