Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

This is Eva, the daughter of my friends John & Claire O'Connor and the reason why I am running the Great North Run for the Tailor Ed Foundation this year (John and Dave Kidd had also planned on running with me however unfortunately injuries during training have forced them out of the race).  

Here is John & Claire's story...... 

A diagnosis of autism for our daughter Eva, whilst confirming what we already knew, was a life changing moment. One of those ones where you suddenly realise life is not going to be quite how you had planned it. 

From a parents point of view dealing with autism is hard. You feel a close and special bond to your child, but their lack of interest in you or anything else for that matter can be difficult to deal with. Eva is on the surface a happy 5 year old child, but she often seems to be in her own world, locked in by a lack of communication and an under sensitivity to most sensations. 

You search for answers and practical help, but very few answers are forthcoming & those that do often have very little scientific evidence behind them. Practical help is generally relying on family and friends for support. 

Unfortunately no-one yet knows what causes autism or the most effective way to help those who have it. Desperate to do anything to help your child you launch down a path of trying every intervention that has been documented, some of which are perfectly sensible, some of which are a bit more out there. All of which align themselves to the different theories about cause & effect.

This is where charities like the Tailor Ed Foundation become a real life line. Tailor Ed is an Edinburgh based charity which helps to teach daily living skills to children with autism, from getting dressed and toileting, to brushing teeth and going to bed, as well as most things in between. Whilst these skills come naturally to most children, those with autism often need intensive support to develop these abilities. Tailor Ed provide much needed practical support to parents, with a wide range of services which vary from home based intervention, where a case worker undertakes dedicated work with a child to organising play sessions where parents can chat and share experiences.

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Please dig deep and donate to this well deserving charity now.

Thanks

Kenny