Hello!

We are Archie, Arun and Isabel (Archie’s carer and friend) and we will be taking part in the Superhero Tri together. Archie competed last year with myself (Isabel) and really enjoyed the event, in particular the cycling which we will be doing together. Arun will be taking part in the event for the first time this year and is swimming in Dorney Lake for the team.

Arun is 17 years old and autistic. He went to White Lodge Play and Youth clubs in the holidays with Archie pre-covid pandemic. He also went to Manor Mead special school, before attending Clarendon school and currently goes to Richmond College. Arun's independence has increased massively since he was at Manor Mead, as he used to be highly anxious and reluctant to leave the house. He now is taking the train to college independently. Arun is a great swimmer and swims everyday (a great asset to the team!). He enjoys filming on his iPad, watching F1, particularly Mercedes, watching football- Millwall and Man United and cricket- Kent.

Archie, Arun's cousin, is 16 years old. He is autistic, non-verbal, has a severe learning disability and other additional needs. He requires support in nearly all aspects in his day to day life. He can find certain situations challenging and overwhelming, especially as he finds it hard to communicate. Archie is taking part in the Superhero Tri to show that people with complex disabilities can do things anyone else can, they just need support and adjustments to do them. I (Isabel) have been Archie's carer for 3 years. I will be supporting Archie throughout the event. Arch loves going on trips out together - he especially enjoys swimming, going to SEN play sessions, companion cycling at Bushy park, inflatables and trampolining. Arch has also been attending White Lodge Play and Youth Clubs since he was little and now attends the 13-18s Youth Club.

White Lodge provides lots of things that Arch loves to do, that keeps him stimulated and active. He takes part in cooking and sensory activities, outdoor play, spends time with his school friends and goes trips such as forest school. White Lodge enables Archie and young people like him to have access to a variety of activities and also for his family to have some respite (and also for Archie to have a break from them!)

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