Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
Autism and awareness of the condition has become a big part of our lives over the last few months with the assessment and now diagnosis that our daughter Eva has this developmental condition.
Saying it has become a big part of our lives is actually an understatement, as the process of diagnosis is long, draining and all consuming, much more for Charlene (my wife) due to her being Eva’s
primary carer 24/7.
We’ve been helped by a lot of good people and are only at the start of our journey, but the diagnosis has given us a little bit of solace that we now know what we are dealing with and can give Eva every “tool” possible to cope with life and the challenges it will throw her way.
Everyone faces challenges, but when a child of 2 and a half suffers with anxiety, it’s really difficult to comprehend.
She is supported by the best sister she could possibly have and when no-one else can do anything for Eva, Ellysia very often knows exactly what to say and do.
One of the departments that has assisted us greatly is called Portage, many of you reading this may have an understanding of what these teams do, but if not, they are a home-visiting educational service for
pre-school children with SEND (Special Education Needs and
Disabilities) and their families.
Our home visitor (and I so wish I could mention her name) has been bloody brilliant! Helping us to find ways to help Eva and teaching us techniques of communication that have already enriched all our lives.
But, our time with Portage is coming to an end as Eva heads towards Nursery and we have been fortunate to find an excellent school to continue the great work.
I’d like to try and raise a bit of money to support the Portage Team who
have supported us and help them buy toys, activities and some basics that have made our precious daughter’s face light up every time our home visitor has walked through the door.
Neither Eva or our family will gain anything from any donations that you might be willing to make, as Eva leaves the care of the East Lancashire Portage Team very soon. But we can give a little bit back (through your kindness) for the children who are being recognised on a daily basis as having this condition and in need of assistance.
So, what am I going to do in return for your donation and hard earned money? Dead simple ...
I've taken on the idea that the Armed Forces started and on Thursday 19th December I'm going to walk home from work for Christmas!
I've a pretty big birthday coming up in January and I'd like to do something a bit different to celebrate that too and thought this was a great idea.
Roughly 50 miles home across the Pennines between Yorkshire and Lancashire should take me around 17 hours.
Nothing has been easy during the assessment for a diagnosis, but we know we have been processed quicker than others and to those of you out there who are facing these challenges, please don’t give up, take all the help you can and if we can advise you in any way by our experience we are happy to talk.
Autism is very often unseen, ignored and even more often misunderstood.
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.
