Walk marking ten years of support
A Chichester mum is urging people to show their support a charity which cares for people with disabilities, complex needs and autism.
Staff and trustees from Aspens are taking on a 10km coastal walk with the families they support to raise awareness of autism and ask for acceptance.
Alana Wilson, from Chichester, knows only too well how much difference Aspens’ support makes to family life, having contacted the charity a year ago to seek help with her 11-year old daughter.
She said: “This time last year, we were in the darkest place and it’s hard to look back and remember how it was without getting emotional.
“Now, my daughter is
excited to go to school and is slowly growing in confidence and acceptance of herself.
“We have a journey ahead but I will always be glad I took that step and reached out to Aspens.
“Our lives began to change for the better when we were blessed with their support and I know we aren’t the only family who will be eternally grateful.
“Aspens came into our lives when we needed them most and I am finally feeling positive about the next stage of our journey.”
Alana said her daughter is on the autism spectrum and has ADHD, and Aspens came into their lives when they needed them the most.
Aspens believes we all deserve the chance to live life to its full potential and is marking its ten-year anniversary by raising money for its family support service with its rainbow-themed West Sussex Coastal Walk during Autism Acceptance Week.
Penny Piggott, head of family and specialist support services, said: “We’re very excited to complete our 10km walk to raise funds to help us reach more families like Alana’s.
“If you live in West Sussex, do look out for our brightlycoloured team taking part in our walk and give us a toot to show your support.”
The West Sussex Coastal Walk will start at 4pm on Monday on Littlehampton beach.
Visit www.aspens.org.uk for more information.