In 2003 I was invited to visit Calf Fallow Farm in Norton to meet Lesley Hanson who had just started a charity to help children with autism and their families.  It was difficult to imagine how this farm on the edge of town could be turned into  a centre to help families and children affected by Autism.

In the years since it has turned into an amazing place that is making a real difference to those children and their families.  They now have a day centre which includes facilities such as a soft play area, sensory area, arts and craft room, IT and music suite, conference area and meeting rooms. A farm where Children can hold animals in the petting barn, get involved in feeding and grooming them as well as making sure their pens and environments are kept tidy.  They also have sensory gardens, vegetable  gardens and a wetland.

Daisy Chain also offer activity days, short break sessions and residential trips.  Which have made a difference to the loves of children living with Autism.  I am hoping over the coming year to take part in a range of events to raise enough money to fund a residential trip for 20 children.

£2,500 would fund a residential trip for up to 20 children. Last year we managed to hold 2 residential trips one for our Siblings Club and one for our Teenage Club to the Sea Life Centre in Scarborough. These trips enable parents to have a vital break, and allow children to come on an overnight stay, interacting with other children their age. Lots of our users end that children can't attend school residential trips as the break in routine and upset is too much for them to cope with. Our trips allow children with a diagnosis of autism to enjoy a exciting time away and allow parents time to rest.

One of the parents whose child attended one of these trips wrote the following:

My son went along to the residential trip to the Sea Life centre where they stayed overnight. It was truly a great experience for him, as he unfortunately has had to miss out on school residential trips because of his autism. The trip put on by Daisy Chain allowed him to feel included with children his own age. It also gave me some respite from his care, knowing that he was having a great time and been look after by Daisy Chain staff.  - Daisy Chain Parent

Over the coming year I will be taking part in a range of events to try and raise this money.  I will be doing a bungee jump, the Great North Run, Yorkshire 3 peaks, Cleveland 4 peaks, Kielder half marathon, Middlesbrough 5 and 10K runs and the Daisy Chain boat race.  I will be trying to add more events as the year goes on.

If you are in a position to help please donate to this fantastic charity to help make a difference to children with autism and their families.

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.