Running for the sensory bus

MAIDENHEAD: Dozens of superheroes and villains made up of adults, children and even pets showed up to race and raise money for a sensory bus.

Originally scheduled for April 2, the Stand out for Autism fun run – which had a superheroes theme – was postponed following heavy rain and took place in Braywick Park on Sunday.

A pre and post-race gathering was held at Braywick Leisure Centre where prizes for winners were given out.

Holly Clarke, founder of Stand Out for Autism, said: “A whopping £1,000 was raised by ticket sales, runner sponsorship and donations, all of which will go towards the £30,000 target the charity has to buy and convert a bus into a sensory bus.”

Holly hopes the sensory bus will facilitate children’s experiences at school and events around the Royal Borough.

She explained that, since COVID, there has been an increase in children experiencing anxiety and that the sensory bus is needed in schools now more than ever, not just to help children on the spectrum.

The sensory bus will include a sensory room especially designed to combine a range of stimuli such as lights, colours, sounds, sensory soft play resources and aromas.

Time in a sensory room can help children improve their visual, auditory and tactile processing.

Holly added: “We have been blown away by the support from all who attended and we are so very grateful. We have currently raised nearly £3,000 towards the phase one of the campaign to buy the bus for £10,000 and once we have the bus in Maidenhead we will start the hard work of stripping the interior ready for the conversion into the mobile sensory unit which we estimate will cost between £10,000 to £12,000.

“We are so excited about bringing this campaign to life and provide the service to all our local schools.”

Stand Out for Autism will also be raising awareness and fundraising at this Saturday’s Waterways Fun Day event in Maidenhead town centre (see right).

For more information visit standoutforautism.co.uk