Celebrating its 45th anniversary through 2013, Autism Wessex has been supported in many ways by volunteers, corporate ‘sapphire’ supporters and members of the local community, all getting behind the charity’s 45 year campaign to raise £450,000.
Andrea Burt, whose daughter Jodie attends the charity’s Wessex Lodge respite service, shares the charity’s birthday year and decided to do something to celebrate life and chose to jump out of a plane. As a result Andrea has moved the charity £600 closer to its £450,000 target.
Choosing to take part in a skydive, Andrea’s motivation was to give something back to Autism Wessex after all the support they have received over many years. Andrea comments; “My daughter Jodie has been attending Wessex Lodge for a few years now and has recently started at Life Skills. As Autism Wessex has cared for my daughter so well for so many years I was keen to do some fundraising for such a worthwhile charity who rely so heavily on public donations. Also it was my 45th birthday this year and I wanted to do something amazing so now I can tick a skydive off my bucket list! I raised just over £600 with the help of my brother Lee Arnell and Phillip Birr who also did the jump with me. We had an amazing day and I would like to thank everyone who very kindly sponsored us.”
Autism Wessex was started in 1968 by parents of children with autism, a little known condition 45 years ago and one which often saw medical professionals recommending institutions for children with autism. A lot has changed in 45 years and the charity has gone from strength to strength having rebranded earlier this year as Autism Wessex. While people with autism remain the focus of the charity’s work, the organisation has changed to be more inclusive so that it responds to people’s needs rather than, necessarily, their particular diagnosis.
The charity’s next event is almost fully booked so please sign up now for the Moors Valley 10k on 29 December from 11am. The 10k run costs just £10 in advance or £15 on the day and a family friendly fun run will cost just £3 in advance or £5 on the day. To book your place and for more information please visit www.autismwessex.org.uk. To contact a member of the fundraising team please call 01202 703597.
