A MUM whose son was diagnosed with autism has single-handedly created a 40th Anniversary Raffle of more than 40 prizes to be held at Wokingham’s May Fayre on Monday.
The raffle will raise funds for Dingley’s Promise, based in Norrey’s Avenue, which supports children under five with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, with prizes collected from dozens of generous local businesses.
Su Clements, from Bracknellm has pounded the streets and hit the phones to drum up support from a wide range of local businesses, and said she is “overwhelmed” by the response.
Dingley’s Promise offers nursery provision and developmental support to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the early years, with the aim of ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
At present, the huge demand for the services offered by Dingley’s Promise and lack of local provision, has meant that Su’s son Liam, aged 3, is currently on the waiting list and receiving support from the Family Support Service. By raising funds Su hopes to help raise awareness and to help the charity to increase its reach to families who need their support.
“Our little boy Liam was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the very early age of 2 years and 4 months,” she said.
“After all his assessments we quickly established that he also has Global Development Delay along with Sensory Processing Disorders, has learning difficulties and is non-verbal. He doesn’t communicate his needs, likes or dislikes in any shape or form.
“I knew something wasn’t right even before Liam turned one. I came to terms with it over many months and even years. But for my husband, James, the emotional journey was much more difficult.”
And she said the couple had a “constant worry” about what life will be like for Liam.
“With the help of Dingley’s Promise and other local support we are finding a path through this as a family,” Su said.
“Liam is the sweetest, cutest boy we could have ever asked for. He is very content, he is happy, he never complains, he is patient, he has determination, he is very, very cheeky and playful. He adores his sister and expresses his love for all of us in his own unique, beautiful ways.
“So, feeling for all the kids like Liam that’s out there, not getting the help and support they need, left to struggle at mainstream nurseries or at home, falling behind on their learning and development journey, for every single one of those kids we decided the least we could do was help fundraise for Dingley’s Promise.”
And Su is looking forward to people coming to the May Fayre and seeing the prizes available. They include hair cuts, cinema tickets, gym classes, and photography sessions.
“I cannot thank the local small businesses, and some even big businesses, enough for the kindness and support they have shown me and Dingley’s Promise. The response has been overwhelming,” she said.
Su’s efforts are welcomed by Dingley’s Promise.
Lucy Staveley, Dingley’s Promise Wokingham centre manager, said: “The work that Su has put into organising the raffle and drumming up support from all the different businesses is incredible.
“We can’t thank her enough for her efforts – it’s fundraising initiatives such as this that help Dingley’s Promise to continue to provide its vital service.”
The stall at the May Fayre on Monday isn’t the only thing the family are doing to help Dingley’s Promise: Su’s husband is donning his running shoes to run the Green Park Reading 10K on June 4, the same day as his birthday.
Su said: “James hasn’t run for a good 15 years so it’s going to be a challenge, but he’s already raised £800,” Su said.
For more details, or to make a donation, log on to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jamesclementsforliam, or dingley.org.uk
