Family at the heart of Meath Autism Network
ACTIVITIES Tractor and vehicle run raised €14k for charity set up by parents to help families overcome social exclusion
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The families and supporters of Meath Autism Network celebrating raising over E14,000 at the charity’s recent vehicle run in Dunderry and (top right), the network recently acquired use of a building in An Tobar in Ardbraccan for meetings and activities. PHOTOS: SEAMUS FARRELLY.Image 2 of 2
The network recently acquired use of a building in An Tobar in Ardbraccan for meetings and activities and are “working to provide a suitable environment for our members who have sensory issues,” according to chairperson Sharon Emmet.Thousands of euros raised at a vehicle run in Dunderry earlier this year for Meath Autism Network will help "bring families together" according to a spokesperson for the charity.
Over €14,000 was raised during the run that saw Jamie Williams of road racing team, JLG Racing team up with Meath Autism Network on 12th March where over 155 vehicles took part in the epic event. Racer Jamie Williams is raising awareness for Autism nationwide.
"We would like to thank Geraghty's pub who were kind enough to allow us to hold our event and also supported us in organising it," said a spokesperson for Meath Autism Network.
"We would like to thank the community of Dunderry, the marshals, and the Gardai without them none of this would be possible.
"We would like to thank the many local businesses and people who donated raffle prizes or made donations and all who attended on the day to make it such a success."
Meath Autism Network is a registered charity that was set up in 2006 by parents to assist families affected by Autism.
"We aim to support families and siblings in Meath affected by Autism," said chairperson Sharon Emmet.
"Our aim is to end social exclusion felt by families by improving their social outlets. We do this by organising weekly meet ups, social outings, sharing knowledge of available services and grants etc.
"The network has recently acquired use of a building in An Tobar in Ardbraccan for regular meetings and activities and are working to provide a suitable environment for our members who have sensory issues.
Sharon, whose son Stephen (22), has autism says the inclusion of the whole family unit was the motivation behind the creation of Meath Autism Network 17 years ago.
"What was very important to us at the time was siblings," she said. "Stephen was attending one thing and my daughter was attending another and it made her really sad.
"My husband would go one way and I'd go the other and that was the way it was for a long time. With Meath Autism Network, all of the family and all of the siblings are invited to attend so if a child is going somewhere all of their brothers and sisters go with them.
"Through Meath Autism Network my daughter met other siblings like her and she didn't feel so isolated, she actually made friends too.
I'm very passionate about the whole family, it's either all of them or none."