UP-DATE:

So, a great day was had by all and I made it!

Pretty pleased with my time of 45 minutes 55 seconds but maybe I could've done better if I'd concentrated more on training than fretting about cold water and swans! In fact the water was a toasty 15 degrees on the day, the sun shone and the swans were sleeping so can't complain.

If you have already given to AIABA, my chosen charity, a HUGE thank you. If you would like to know more and help me to reach my target then please read on....

Hello and thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On Saturday 16th September I, along with some of my siblings and a sprinkling of Beverley nieces and nephews, will be taking part in Swim Serpentine. I will be attempting to swim a mile in the Serpentine Lake in London without being attacked by swans or having to cadge a lift from a pedalo. Assuming I manage to avoid my sister, Ruth, and her innate ability to gossip even when partaking in wild water swims, I aim to complete the course in well under an hour.

This is actually rather a pathetic ambition given the usual sporting prowess of the Beverley family but I am pleased that it at last gives me an opportunity to raise money for a charity close to my heart and the Palazzo family.

My nephew, Stefano, is 15 years old, lives in Florence and has autism. And it is for him, his family and others like them that I would like to raise at least £1500 for AIABA, The Italian Association for Assitance to Autistic Children (L’Associazione Italiana per l’Assistenza ai Bambini Autistici).

It was founded by a group of parents of children with autism in 1970 who wanted to set up a specialised day care centre for their children. Included in their mission is also to increase awareness of autism in the general public. AIABA operate a non-profit organisation made up of their patients’ parents and managed by the Medical Director and Director of Care. They run two centres in Florence. The first centre was opened in 1970 in Settignano and now cares for adults. They recently opened a second centre in Via D’Annunzio where they treat adolescents and children from 8 to 18 years old.

AIABA work with both individuals and groups using a relationship-based approach to therapy (utilising relationships with individuals to form the basis of therapy). They especially work to improve the psycho-social and emotional development and personal autonomy of their patients.

In the AIABA centres their patients participate in many activities including creating and printing the newsletter, cooking, weaving, painting and drama. They also take their patients out to participate in swimming, riding, gym, gardening, pet therapy, and shiatsu. These activities take place in small groups with two professional carers per three or four children or adults. Constant attention is given to a patient’s individual needs with the aim of developing social, personal and emotional skills and supporting a better quality of life.

The long weekends their patients spend away from home are particularly important for them to learn independent living skills. These opportunities also provide respite to families.

AIABA staff are highly qualified and work closely with families to establish and implement individual treatment and care plans for each patient. They also regularly attend extra training and supervision courses.

The AIABA holds a self-help support group every month, this is open to all those who share the experience of living with someone with Autism.

The ‘After Us’ (Dopo di Noi) Project. Living with someone who has autism requires constant love, care and supervision 24/7. One of the most important projects the AIABA is currently working on is to open a centre for those patients whose parents are deceased or unable to look after their children for health reasons.

So, having given you this insight in to the organisation I am hoping that I have enticed you to donate. Believe me, any amount will be very much appreciated.

And in anticipation....thank you.

AIABA