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The Duke of Westminster
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Duke of Westminster launches appeal for £1.3m autistic respite centre
TO CELEBRATE its 40th anniversary this month, Wirral Autistic Society (WAS) has launched a £1.3m appeal to build a new respite centre – the first of its kind in the North West.
The appeal was launched and hosted by the society’s president, the Duke of Westminster, with a reception for 120 people at the grand Eaton Hall, in Cheshire.
The Duke of Westminster, centre, with (L-R) Dianne Asher, Chief Executive, Dame Stephanie Shirley, Dame Lorna Muirhead, Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, and John Battersby, Chair of Trustees.
When completed, the new centre will cater for six people suffering from autism, providing a “home from home” and a chance for their families to have a brief break from the daily pressures involved in caring.
Wirral Autistic Society was founded after Wirral parent John Brady was unable to get help for his son, Shaun, who had been finally diagnosed with autism, a term which had only been in existence since 1943. In protest, he refused to pay his rates. His action received media attention which resulted in parents of other autistic children coming together and founding the society in 1968.
The new centre will be built on land alongside the society’s main building, Raby Hall.
Duke of Westminster's support invaluable
The Wirral Autistic Society declareds the Duke of Westminster's support as invaluable. The Duke commented "There is a massive demand for respite facilities to relieve pressure on parents, brothers and sisters who live with the day to day problems that arise from caring for autism sufferers.
"A series of fund-raising events has already been planned and I would urge businesses and individuals to support them."
Fundraising events planned for the near future by WAS include buy a brick at £5 each, sponsorship from the Wirral Coastal Walk on Sunday, May 18, a corporate Golf Day, Heswall Golf Club, and a Children’s Halloween ghost trail.
