My name is Andy Bailey and I'm a 39 year old former radio DJ from Stoke-on-Trent. In May 2014, I left behind my home comforts and family life to spend a full week living in an empty shop window in the middle of my home city, to raise awareness of Autism and the brilliant support offered by Caudwell Children.

Locked in for Autism proved a huge success, as thousands of people joined me during my 168 hour self-imposed exile. The challenge attracted local and national press coverage and raised thousands of pounds for charity.

You can watch a video slide show of Locked in for Autism: www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1nnWRThE6U

I started volunteering for the charity in March and got talking to lots of families with autistic children. Many of them felt frustrated that the condition was often neglected, and one Dad said to me 'Someone should do something to put autism in the shop window' - and that gave me an idea! I put myself in the window, and the rest is history.

Check out all the background information and photo galleries form our epic project here: www.lockedinforautism.com

It's worth noting that Autism is a lifelong development disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they make sense of the World around them. It is a spectrum condition which means that while children with Autism share certain difficulties, they will be affected in different ways.

It can be hard to create awareness of Autism as kids with the condition do not 'look' disabled. They are often labelled as 'naughty' and ridiculed because they are misunderstood.

Locked in for Autism may be over for now, but the campaign for Autism Awareness continues - and yes all contributions are gratefully received! Please give whatever you can - all donations will make a genuine difference.

Thank you

Andy x

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