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We are raising money through the registered charity Tree of Hope to fund an Autism Assistance Dog for our daughter, Daisy.

Daisy is 10 years old, and in 2016, she was diagnosed with Autism, Sensory Processing Difficulties, and situational mutism.

These conditions affect how Daisy’s brain processes sensory information, making lights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures extremely overwhelming and even painful. Communication can be challenging and distressing for Daisy. Her situational mutism is caused by extreme anxiety, so if Daisy isn’t feeling safe or comfortable in a situation, she will shut down and be unable to communicate. This makes daily life demanding and exhausting for her, adding to her social isolation.

Everyday activities that we may find simple, such as getting dressed, going outside, and participating in family events, can be incredibly difficult and sometimes impossible for Daisy.

Supporting Paws is an organization that provides specially trained assistance dogs for children with autism.

A fully trained assistance dog from Supporting Paws can help Daisy by supporting her with everyday activities, providing deep pressure therapy for her sensory difficulties, reducing anxiety, helping her cope with unfamiliar surroundings, and encouraging her to try new activities.

We hope that an assistance dog will enable Daisy to access the same opportunities as other 10-year-olds, allowing her to explore the outside world and enjoy greater independence.

Please help in any way you can to make life better for Daisy.

Thank you.

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, then the funds will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objects. If in those circumstances we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives, then any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.