Children’s charity fundraiser hits target with distributor’s help

Children’s charity fundraiser hits target with distributor’s help

Bristol Street Motors Keighley Vauxhall is helping a five-year-old boy with suspected autism to reach his fundraising target for specialist charity Skipton Extended Learning for All (SELFA) by supporting him and his family , after a financial deficit meant that. he couldn’t run his vital school holiday sessions.

Archie Rowe’s family, including grandmother Tracy Watson, service adviser at Bristol Street Motors Keighley Vauxhall, are fighting for an autism diagnosis for him – a process that could take years. After waiting a year, the hospital informed his mother, Caitlen, that if SELFA confirmed Archie’s difficulties, she could go straight to court instead of waiting any longer. The only beacon of light for Archie and his family all this time was SELFA’s children’s clubs, where the young man feels that he belongs, fits in and everyone is his friend. Archie’s mother credits SELFA with turning her life around.

To give back, Archie, his friends and family raised £2,810 through a sponsored walk and raffle, with an auction of two Bradford City players’ boots expected to bring the total to £3,070.

Archie has struggled socially and emotionally since starting school. His mother faced immense challenges to get him there, with Archie dealing with daily bouts of anxiety and depression. Despite his fear of school, Archie eagerly attends SELFA and would go daily if possible.

Archie said: “I love SELFA because everyone plays with me and it’s so much fun! I have friends at SELFA and I like adults! I was sad when I couldn’t go during the school holidays and I wanted to help SELFA and the other kids who go.”

Emma Pears, chief executive of SELFA, said: “Archie’s determination and the support of friends, family and Bristol Street Motors Keighley Vauxhall is truly inspiring. Running a charity, especially one as specialized as SELFA, is financially more difficult than ever. Charities need all the help they can get to provide the support that has such a hugely positive impact on the lives of people like Archie and his family.

“Clearly their enthusiasm for our work is so strong that it has inspired Bristol Street Motors to get involved and I am very pleased to have their support. Anything we can do to raise awareness is welcome.’

Tracy Watson, Archie’s grandmother and service advisor at Bristol Street Motors Keighley Vauxhall, said: “It’s been wonderful to see the difference SELFA has made to Archie’s life. I am so grateful to everyone at Bristol Street Motors for their support and incredibly proud of Archie. I hope it will go some way to ensuring they can continue their amazing work and support families like ours.”

Caitlen Watson, Archie’s mum said: “Since he started at SELFA, there hasn’t been a day when Archie hasn’t wanted to go. The very first day I dropped him off he was there all day and I was waiting for a phone call to say he wasn’t quiet or crying – he hasn’t been since.

“SELFA is truly our lifeline and we appreciate them all so much. We are overwhelmed by all the support we have received and want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped us along the way.”