Swift help for toddler from public and charity
THE parents of a toddler who has autism have thanked the public for coming to his aid during the pandemic.
Natalie and Shane Evenden, of St Thomas in Exeter, appealed for help to fund tactile sensory equipment for three-year-old Harry, but thought the response would be slow because of the distraction of the coronavirus outbreak. Instead, their £300 target was smashed in 48 hours.
Mrs Evenden said: “We’ve been genuinely overwhelmed by the response as I didn’t think, at such a difficult time, many people would donate.” The money is a contribution towards a £963 set of equipment, with the bulk of the finance coming from Caudwell Children, a national charity that supports disabled children and their families.
Mrs Evenden also thanked the charity for its swift response to her application for help. “I couldn’t believe that despite everything that is going on they had taken the time to process our application and then get back to me with a decision. They’re wonderful!” she said.
Harry was diagnosed with autism in January. The condition has left him non-verbal. He also has sensory processing difficulties and, together with the delays in his social communication skills, he finds it difficult to socialise with other children.
Mr and Mrs Evenden appealed to friends and family for help in rasing their £300 contribution, and also launched a public appeal through a Just Giving website page, rapidly exceeding their target.
“Every penny that we raise, over the £300 that we need, will go to supporting other disabled children in this area,” said Mrs Evenden.