Coastal runner backs appeal

8:06am Wednesday 7th May 2008

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A RETIRED solicitor will be taking part in this month's coastal walk to raise funds for Wirral Autistic Society's Home From Home appeal.

Roger McDonough - whose 30-year-old son Ian is a full-time resident in a supported housing scheme run by the organisation - will be among thousands of people taking part in the event on Sunday May 18.

"Having Ian stay at the centre is great for us"

Roger McDonough

Sponsoring the 61-year-old are former colleagues from the Crown Prosecution Service.

The proceeds will help the Globe-backed £1.3m campaign raise funds to build a much-needed respite facility housing six bedrooms in two separate but adjacent wings on land at the society's main residential centre in Raby Hall, Raby Mere.

Roger, who lives in Thingwall with wife Jeanette said: "When I read that the Globe was backing the appeal I thought this was absolutely fantastic, because the new respite wing is something which the society needs. I'm hoping to raise a lot on the day and have been given a generous sponsorship."

Ian was almost 20 years old when he was diagnosed with autism following a routine examination by doctors in Oxton. He had been a day resident at the organisation's main residential centre Raby Hall for 10 years, before moving in to accommodation in Bromborough. He spends the weekends at his parents' home.

"Having Ian stay at the centre is great for us," Roger said "Because it means we can do things we never really could before, like going out to have a drink, have a meal or visit friends.

"I have a sister who lives in Somerset and we often travel down to see her. With Ian in respite, it means we can do this more often."

The new respite centre will also include a training kitchen, sensory room, activity rooms, shared dining room and lounge and easy access to corridors.

Once built, a dedicated team of staff will be on hand at the centre to care for people with a wider range of needs. The plan is for work to start at the end of the year.

The coastal walk is just one of many events planned to boost funds. There is also a Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, a company golf day at Heswall golf club, a Hallowe'en ghost trail at Old Raby Hall and gala ball at Thornton Hall Hotel. For as little as £5, you can buy a brick that will be used in the centre's walls.

You can also buy flowers which have been grown in the organisation's own garden centre in Bromborough Pool village. They are available for £1.75.

For an application pack with all the information you need to take part in the coastal walk, or if you have any more ideas on how funds can be raised, email rick.myers@wirral.autistic.org, phone 482 3145 or write to Wirral Autistic Society, 2 Grisedale Road, Old Hall Estate, Bromborough CH62 3QA.