Keira in Mourne Madness hike for autism

Keira in Mourne Madness hike for autism

12 August 2015

KIERA English understands more than most the difficulties faced by parents awaiting an autism diagnosis for their children.

The Downpatrick mum waited two-and-a-half years before her only daughter Lucy’s diagnosis was confirmed in primary one.

Although Kiera recalls being relieved to have a name for her condition, she says the stress of the drawn out process has given her a great empathy for other parents going through the same.

It is for this reason that Kiera and her husband Phillip have rallied members of their families to undertake Autism Northern Ireland’s Mourne Madness Challenge, which aims to raise vital funds for those whose lives are similarly affected by autism.

Eleven family members from Downpatrick will take part in the challenge, which includes a variety of walks for all fitness levels, on August 23. 

They are all now seeking sponsorship in a bid to raise as much as possible for Autism NI.

Although Kiera and Phillip have not yet availed of Autism NI’s services, Kiera says they expect to do so in the future, particularly when Lucy, who is now nine, becomes a teenager.

“I first heard of autism when Lucy was two and queries over her development were raised,” she recalls.

“I remember wondering what autism was and what it would mean for her.

“The ball got rolling once she was in nursery and she was assessed, leading to her diagnosis in primary one. 

“Although it was in many ways a relief after two years of not really knowing what we were dealing with, it was also frightening but we quickly realised we could cope.

“We thought, ‘OK now we know what we are dealing with, what do we have to do?’”

As a classroom assistant, Kiera believes her own personal story has made her more compassionate with children and their families undergoing the often long journey to diagnosis.

She is hoping her family’s fundraising drive through the Mourne Madness Challenge will raise greater awareness about autism, while fundraising for the charity.

Anyone who would like to contribute to their sponsorship is asked to do so via www.justgiving.com/kiera-english2