Raised: 141%
Target: £2,800.00
Raised so far: £3,958.00
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My story

 

Update: My initial target was £2800 so I am thrilled to have surpassed this by over a grand. Donations and Sponorship are still most welcome, to reach the next milestone of £4000 would be fantastic! I set off for Beijing tomorrow and then my challenge begins - trekking along several sections of this incredible architectural phenomenon, descending into qaint rural villages in the evening to spend the night and socialise with the local people! For regular updates on my challenge please visit www.sassie09.blogspot.com

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

This is it, I’ve finally plucked up the courage and have agreed to face the challenge of a lifetime in support of a charity very close to my heart.  In October this year I will be trekking through some of China’s most dramatic scenery as I spend a week curving up, down and around the majestic Great Wall, a 2000 year old symbol of ancient China!

This is going to require a lot of effort, training and commitment on my part, but I am ready to take it on and am delighted to be doing it for “The Scottish Society of Autism”. Those of you who know me, will know I spent three wonderful years working in school for children with autism in Switzerland. Although my current career path has veered away from autism for the time being, the chance to raise funds for such a worthwhile cause greatly appeals to me. Those of you, who know me well, will also know I have gone through a lot of upheaval and unease in my own life this past year and I am now ready to sink myself into an exciting challenge and focus on the positives in life!

So autism, what is it? Autism is a lifelong condition which isolates the child or adult from the world as we know it.  It affects the ability to communicate, form relationships and understand everyday activities. People are affected to different degrees, some with severe communication and social interaction difficulties, whilst others may be skilled in their use of language but still have a range of complex needs regarding social interaction and understanding the motivation of others. There are three main features of autism, which when presented together, present a diagnosis of autism. These are often referred to as the "Triad of Impairments" -

1.       difficulties in relating to, or understanding other people and social situations

2.       difficulties in acquiring any form of communication

3.       a lack of imaginative ability, often substituted by obsessive, repetitive behaviour and a strong resistance to change.

The precise cause of autism has not been fully established. However, substantial evidence from research indicates that autism can be caused by a variety of conditions which can effect the development of the brain and which can occur before, during or after birth. Considerable research suggests that genetics are involved, but the precise nature of relevant genes has yet to be identified.

There is no cure for autism, but specialist education, care and a structured environment can minimise behavioural difficulties and enhance the individual's skills and life experiences.  People with autism often represent a considerable challenge to those who care for them, particularly with regard to their repetitive behaviours, strong resistance to change and difficulties in strong situations. However, the knowledge, skills and techniques which have been developed in the last 30 years now make it more likely that the hidden potential of the person with autism can be brought out, and their quality of life greatly enhanced.

 

The Scottish Society for Autism is truly committed to working for the rights and quality of life of people with autism and offers a wide range of support including education, day care, supported living, vocational opportunities, respite and outreach. In addition the society offers comprehensive training and advice not only for people working in this field but for the families affected by autism. The sharing of knowledge and expertise with other organisations in the field also helps to influence policy and practice and provide the best support and opportunity for those who require it. The Scottish Society for Autism is a registered Scottish Charity  and one which I truly believe merits our support. After all in Scotland alone 45,000 people have been diagnosed with Autism, that equates to around 1 in 110 of our country’s population.  

 

For me this trek will be about beauty, culture, people and above all a physical and mental challenge which I believe will earn every penny raised for the Scottish Society of Autism. In addition if my efforts raise awareness of Autism and how it affects peoples’ lives then it will be worth it.

For regular updates on my fundraising and the build up to the challenge itself, please visit www.sassie09.blogspot.com

 

If you would like to sponsor me you can donate online through this site using your debit or credit card. Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Scottish Society for Autism gets your money faster and, if you’re a taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. If you prefer though I’d be very happy to take you cash upfront, next time I see you – Be warned!

 

Thank you so much for your support. I am well aware of how tight finances are right now for everyone but every little helps, please give what you can, I’d really appreciate it and so will the Society.

 

With sincere thanks

Sarah x

Donation by Fred 25/11/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck Sarah, take lots of photos... and lots of blister pads! x Donation by Blair Christie 09/10/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

good luck sarah! hope u have a fun time!!! Donation by Kat 08/10/09  

£50.00

Good Luck - I am sure you will do great!! Hope this helps a little Susan x Donation by Susan Cowie 08/10/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck with the adventure, and congratulations on raising so much. Donation by Paul 07/10/09  

£20.00

Hey Sarah, well done on your awesome fundraising! Sorry it's taken me so long to get round to donating!! Good luck xx Donation by Becky Warren 05/10/09  

£10.00

Sarah, That's an impressive amount you've raised already, and that sounds like a brilliant trip. Donation by Derek Gordon 15/09/09  

Hope this helps. x Donation by Tracy Quinn 09/08/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good Luck on your trip and Well done! Look forward to meeting up with you and the family some time soon.. Donation by Michael Dunsire 03/08/09  

£39.00 + £11.00 Gift Aid

Best of luck with your trip. Hope you raise lots of money for a very good cause. Donation by Anne Giacopazzi 01/08/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

The very best of luck Sassy! It's a brilliant cause and I know you'll be great. Enjoy the experience! Lots of love and hugs xxx Donation by Laura 31/07/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Hope your night goes fantastically and that your trip goes even better!!! Donation by Andy Barnett 20/07/09  

£15.60 + £4.40 Gift Aid

Donation by Anonymous 16/07/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

You are amazing! Best of luck to you and I hope you reach your target. Donation by Bridie Graham 15/07/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Hey babe. Hope the ceilidh goes well and you reach your target. Donation by Lynsey Miller 29/06/09  

£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid

Good luck Donation by Simon Jevons 16/06/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good Luck! Great cause! Hope it all goes well. Donation by Aileen & Nigel 15/06/09  

£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid

Good Luck ! Donation by TruGreen W. Yorks 12/06/09  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Hope it goes well, it's a very good cause! Donation by Nick Collins Merry Maids in Notttinghamshire 12/06/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

All the best for a very good cause Donation by ServiceMaster Clean Aberdeen 11/06/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Keep up the fund raising -Go Girl!!! Donation by Servicemaster Bath 11/06/09  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

ServiceMaster Mercia - Good Luck Donation by Kevin Harden 11/06/09  

£10.00

Donation by alan parsons 11/06/09  

£2.00 + £0.56 Gift Aid

Good Luck From All at SMITC Donation by SM in the Capital 11/06/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good Luck Donation by TruGreen Colchester 11/06/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

All the best on your adventure!! Donation by Heather & Scott FM Monklands 11/06/09  

£5.00

Good Luck. Enjoy every minute. Donation by Sarah Box (SML) 11/06/09  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Keep going, proud of you. XXX Donation by Vince 28/05/09  

£100.00

Good luck! Very proud of you petal! xxx Donation by Becca 07/05/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Go Sassy Go!!! So proud of you & can't wait to hear all about the adventure. Keep posted on all your fundraisers. Love u x x x Donation by Ali 07/05/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid
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* Total raised online: £906.60
  Offline donations: £3,051.40
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £180.96

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