Raising money for research into autism spectrum disorders
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THE WALK FOR AUTISM RESEARCH, ALNWICK GARDEN, 4 MAY 2008
Hundreds of people returned to The Alnwick Garden, Northumberland for a second Walk for Autism Research on Sunday, 4th May 2008. Despite an initial burst of rain, the day dried up and the sun came out in time for walkers to enjoy one or all of the three walks on offer. The money is still coming in, but we do believe we will have raised in excess of £15,000.
Postman Pat was a huge success - Jane Morland, Communications Team Leader at Northumbrian Water in Pity Me, Durham, spent five hours dressed as the loveable cartoon postman, greeting children and posing with them for photographs, handing out balloons and presenting medals after the walk.
Jane Morland said: “I have children of my own and I am fortunate not to have any link to autism. It was fantastic being Postman Pat just to see the reactions of all the children. It was obvious that they really enjoyed meeting him."
Northumbrian Water sponsored the walk by providing bottled tap water to keep the walkers hydrated and by paying for a face painter to entertain the children.
The NAS and the Learning Support Services at Newcastle College were amongst the stands for the day. Kirstey Rhodes created a fabulous stall packed with her own cards, products and also organised a tombola. It was called Christina’s Stall – named after her daughter. Face Painters and story tellers from the Local Library were amongst the other entertainment.
Our thanks go to all our sponsors - Sanofi Aventis, the Wirral Autistic Society, Alcan, Greggs NE Trust, Parker Hannifin, The Miller Group and the Community Foundation.
Tim Bates, MD of Goodall Bates and Todd Ltd was kind enough to arrange transport of the bottled water - we are hugely grateful.
Special thanks go to our enthusiastic and tireless volunteers – Tony Hopkins, Amy and Susan Bates, Victoria Sanvitale, Sue Smith and her sister Carol, Brenda and Barry Taylor, Patrick Naisby Rogers.
Our warmest thanks go to all of our Walkers and Supporters, as well as to The Alnwick Garden Staff and Volunteers who once again made us feel very welcome and worked so hard to help us make this magical day happen.
To view photographs of the day, visit our photo album
We would like to thank our sponsors for this event
Greggs N.E. Trust