On Saturday 24th March, Robert Mullane, a proud uncle of two nephews with autism, is taking part in the 10k Richmond Park Run to raise money for children with autism.

Robert is from Purley and will be raising money for the Friends of Papillon House School Charity (FOPHS) which supports a specialist school for children with autism, that his nephew Callum attends.

In Tadworth, Surrey. The charity that supports the school, FOPHS, is run by a group of parents. At the moment they are working very hard to raise funds for a sensory garden for the children at the school.

Robert said "Children with autism are often very bright individuals but have difficulty communicating and interacting with others . The equipment for the sensory garden has been carefully selected to encourage interaction between the children. It will also help them to develop physically, aid with co-ordination and balance, improve their gross motor skills and problem solving skills. Children with autism often experience high levels of anxiety and being able to use the sensory garden will enable them to burn off excess energy and anxiety in a positive way"

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them.

Robert said " My encouragement to cross the finishing line will be imagining the childrens' faces when they first see their sensory garden. What more encouragement could you ask for? I'd like to thank everyone that has sponsored me so far and to let people know that there is still time to do so."

To sponsor Robert Mullane in his 10k challenge go to www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/robertmullane1

For more information contact Jackie Hughes on 01883336753

15.03.2012