Laura and son Jake in support of Autism NI

Laura and son Jake in support of Autism NI

6 April 2022

A CASTLEWELLAN mum and her five year-old son have raised £650 for Autism NI.

Laura and Jake Brennan decided to join in the charity’s Challenge 22 initiative to mark World Autism Acceptance Week.

Jake was recently diagnosed as autistic so the issue of autism has become more important to the Brennan family.

Autism NI created the challenge to represent one in 22 children school-age children with autism in Northern Ireland.

Laura and Jake decided to run a raffle with 22 tickets with great prizes donated by local businesses.

Laura, who has three other children, said: “The 22 tickets were sold out in minutes. People were so supportive and keen to donate that we ended up with a total of 130 tickets sold in the end.

“The charity and raising awareness is incredibly close to our hearts since son Jake was recently diagnosed with autism. 

“This is an incredible charity making great changes with acceptance of autism and engaging in positive conversations around it. 

I’m keen to open up the subject and bring more information into education, employment and the community.”

She said that her family would like to thank everyone who bought a ticket. She is also grateful for generous donations from Iconic Interior Designs, The Donard Hotel, Yoga with Martine, Brunels Restaurant and Yew Tree Barn.