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Call for cyclists to join charity ride

 

 

 

Staff from local schools are calling on cyclists to join them on a charity bike ride across Lancashire, raising awareness and funds for the National Autistic Society (NAS), the UK’s leading charity for people affected by autism.

 

 

 

The challenge starts at Underley Garden School in Cumbria on 23 March and will finish five hours later at Belmont School in Rossendale, Lancashire, after passing through Oakfield House School. All the schools, including two that support children and young people with autism, are run by the Acorn Care and Education Group.

 

 

 

There are an estimated 11,700 people in Lancashire living with autism, a lifelong developmental condition which affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people, as well as how they make sense of the world around them.

 

 

 

Mike Ore, the School Group Manager (North) at Acorn Care and Education and who is the event organiser and will be taking part in the event said: “I’ve met so many inspirational children with autism in our Oakfield House and Underley Garden schools and have seen first hand how they’ve benefited from the tailored support we offer.

 

 

 

“I hope that as many cyclists will get involved as possible, helping us raise to funds for the NAS so they can continue to provide support and services to people affected by the condition in Lancashire.”

 

 

 

Alastair Graham, Fundraising Director at the NAS said: “We’re always delighted when people like Mike and his colleagues volunteer their time and energy to raise money for the NAS. For over 50 years, the NAS has been a friend to people with autism, but, as a charity, we rely on donations and fundraising to continue to provide the support that people affected by autism need.”

 

 

 

If anyone is interested in taking part in the bike ride, please contact Mike Ore at m.ore@acorncare.co.uk  tel: 07850 793444

 

 

 

ENDS

 

 

 

For more information, please contact Piers Wright at piers.wright@nas.org.uk or on 020 7903 3548.

 

 

 

Notes to editors:

 

 

 

§  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. It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.

 

 

 

§  Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.

 

 

 

§  The National Autistic Society is the UK's leading charity for people with autism and their families.  Founded in 1962, it continues to spearhead national and international initiatives and provide a strong voice for all people with autism. The NAS provides a wide range of services to help people with autism and Asperger syndrome live their lives with as much independence as possible.

 

 

 

§  The NAS relies on the support of its members and donors to continue its vital work for people with autism. To become a member, make a donation or to find out more about the work of the NAS, visit the NAS website www.autism.org.uk

 

§  For more information about autism and for help in your area, call the NAS Autism Helpline on: 0808 800 4104 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday, (free from landlines and most mobiles).

 

 

 

§  The NAS Autism Services Directory is the UK’s most comprehensive directory of services and events for people with autism. Visit www.autism.org.uk/autismdirectory to find autism services and support networks in your area.

 

 

 

§  Acorn Care and Education provides education and care for the most vulnerable and hardest to place young people. Its specialist professionals provide the highest standard of education and care for over 600 children and young people with challenging and complex learning difficulties, in well resourced schools and high quality residential settings. Visit http://www.acorncare.co.uk for more information.