Grateful family raising cash for support centre
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THE family of a four-year-old autistic boy are raising money for a support centre which has proved invaluable to them.
Connor McLeish was diagnosed with autism three months ago and since then the youngster has received help from The Pines, based in Drummond Road, Inverness.
To show their appreciation, the family is fundraising for the centre. Connor’s mum Danielle took part in the Unicorn Pageant – a fashion show – at the Mercure hotel in Inverness earlier this month along with daughter Christina Rose (6), and donated the money they raised to The Pines.
Miss McLeish said: "I chose them as our charity for the pageant as they are very close to our hearts and as a way of showing appreciation for everything these facilities have done for my son and for all the support.
"They have not only helped my family, they have benefited so many in and around Inverness as well.
"These facilities are amazing and we wanted to give something back."
Connor’s grandmother Linda believes more needs to be done to highlight awareness of autism, and said that was the inspiration behind the family’s decision to start fundraising.
"With Connor, if we take him out shopping and it gets too much for him people just don’t understand," she said.
"Their reactions can be quite disrespectful.
"It’s a constant battle. People just don’t understand that something as simple as a hand drier in the bathroom starting suddenly can set him off.
"In the past, children like Connor would just have been dismissed as being naughty, but we know now that autism is a real condition and that children need help and support."
As well as raising money through the pageant, the family also held a medium night and have more events planned.
"It has been tough going at times to try and get the word out there and get people involved, but it’s worth it," Mrs McLeish added.
"It’s so humbling when people and businesses are generous enough to donate.
"We’ve raised £647 so far and we still have collection buckets out, as well as an online page.
"We have had a few ideas for more fundraising events. We want to do something that’s going to get the children involved as well, like a fun run and I’m hoping that we will be able to have a fundraising night once a year.
"The support we have had has been amazing."
