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A campaign to raise awareness of what it’s like to live with Autism has raised over £20,000 -twice as much as last year.
The money raised by Autism Jersey’s “Awesome” campaign will go towards improving the lives of Islanders on the autism spectrum.
It’s thought that there are over 1000 people living in Jersey with the condition and it's becoming the most commonly diagnosed developmental disorder.
Autism Jersey’s Fundraiser & Marketing Manager Beth Gallichan said: “We are very grateful to all who have contributed to making this year’s awesome awareness campaign the most successful yet. Living with autism can be very challenging; many people who participated in our activities set themselves a challenge which pushed them out of their comfort zone, something people with autism can struggle with every day.
“It is important that our charity raises awareness of autism within our community; we aim to increase understanding and improve life for children and adults with autism as well as their families and carers. Funds raised will greatly benefit the variety of support and services we deliver, greatly benefiting people who live everyday with autism.”
The campaign launched in schools at the end of March and the charity organised a whole host of events and challenges including a Family Day at Cineworld with autism friendly screenings and phone recycling project.
Last month Islanders were encouraged to take on a challenge and “Be Awesome”. Over 50 people abseiled down the dam at Val de la Mare reservoir and runners sprinted round a new course in the Easter Marathon.
Over 100 walkers took part in the L’etacq and Back Beach Walk and joined the Jersey Storm Troopers to create a number 10 in the sand to celebrate the charity’s 10th anniversary.
A number of individuals also stepped up to “Be Awesome” for autism last month - Ben Kemish won his battle at this year’s ‘Rumble on the Rock’ and donated £355 in sponsorship while Katy and Austin who own Moo on New Street organised a Raw till 4 Challenge - raising another £500.
Idalina Martins, whose three-year old son is in the process of diagnosis, set herself the challenge to walk a mile for every £5 sponsorship she received and continues to walk and support the charity when more donations come in.
Sylvia’s son Andrew is supported by the charity and explained how grateful she is that so many Islanders got behind the campaign.
She said: “Increasing awareness within our community is very important. My son is happier, more able and willing to associate with his peers, something he has never been able to do before. He is a happy well-adjusted individual who is learning to live life independently with the support of Autism Jersey.”
And the fundraising hasn’t stopped – a team of 20 trekkers are preparing to take on the National Three Peaks Challenge for the charity early next month – scaling Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in under 48 hours and each raising at least £500 each.
Later in the year the charity will be celebrating its 10th anniversary with an “Awesome” Charity Ball at the Royal Yacht Hotel on Saturday 10 October.
You can find out more about the event and the charity itself here. www.autismjersey.org.je
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