Right then, here we go again!!

Having confidently declared that 2007 was a one off, we once again find ourselves training for a plod around the streets of London in April.

This year we are raising funds for the National Autistic Society in support of our friends Dave & Charlotte Haimes whose youngest son Sam is a sufferer of Aspergers Syndrome.

It is hoped that our fundraising will help to not only show them our support but help ensure that the excellent work of the NAS will continue as they develop services to assist sufferers like Sam with the opportunity to develop to his full potential. 

The following passage has been written by Charlotte and Dave which really provides an insight to the family life of a sufferer......

Sams Story.

Sam was born on the 27th September 1999. His development was "normal" for the first three years, although he could be unsettled if left with others.

His autism really became apparent from the age of three. When he began a pre-school playgroup, he was often segregated from the other children due to his violent outbursts. He was also displaying a lot of repetitive/obsessive behaviour, such as spinning, of which he continues to this day.

Sam has been subject to many assessments and he is able to attend mainstream school. He has a statement of special educational needs, which entitles him to a few hours specialist support assistance each week..

He was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of five, and achieved a more comlete diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome at seven.

So, what's it like living with a child like Sam? He can be unpredictable, yet we are very much bound by his routine. He is extremely quirky and has had obsessions from the washing machine through to the football results and everything in between, such as for-sale boards and train signals.

Sam has to be prepared for everything. There is no spontaneity as a family, everything we do is planned to the finest detail and even then Sam can struggle to keep himself in control. He panics about many things, such as being stuck in traffic or locked in shops. He is terrified when it rains because he thinks it will flood. He can't be reasoned with because he simply does not understand how this world works.

We don't always understand what triggers Sam's negative behaviour, but it often results in him being verbally and physically aggressive.

On the plus side he is highly intelligent and could be described as maths genius. He's been able to tell the time accurately since the age of three. He has an amazing photographic memory and can recall facts/figures from events that happened years ago. Above all, he can be extremely loving and endearing.

Sam does struggle to control his emotions/behaviours and gets stared at, a lot, by people who don't realise he has Aspergers. They comment because he does appear "normal". This is heartbreaking but there is little we can do to avoid this.

This is why we are so grateful to Dave and Mark for agreeing to run the London marathon. The sufferers are so misunderstood, as is Sam. He will have to live and cope with this for the rest of his life. We can only hope that charities like The National Autistic Society raise awareness and therefore tolerance.

As you can see from the above passage, the diagnosis has had a significant impact on the lives of all the family. Therefore, any donation, whatever the size, will be gratefully appreciated.

Donating through Justgiving is quick and easy.

It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor us. National Autistic Society gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor us now!

Many thanks.

Dave & Mark.