Gifts That Keep Giving

   ReaRIn support of our ongoing charity campaign, ‘Gifts that Keep Giving’, happy couple Melissa and Nick, who live in Ringwood, very generously decided to ask their wedding guests to donate to The Wessex Autistic Society instead of receiving personal gifts on their special day. Melissa’s daughter Molly, who has severe autism, is a former pupil at Portfield School. The family are so pleased with the progress Molly has made since attending the school that they were more than happy to give so generously to the Society.

Autism is a lifelong condition and there is a constant worry about how to cope with the next stage of Molly’s life.

Melissa comments, “Molly now attends Life Skills and caring for Molly is very much a team effort. I couldn’t do it without all the wonderful support I have. And it is essential to have support. Molly goes to respite 60 nights a year, which I felt so guilty about. But the time that gives me to recharge my batteries enables me to keep her living at home, and ensures she is happy too.” Melissa concludes, “You can enjoy life with autism. Molly is a gift and I feel I was meant to have her. I would be utterly lost without her.”

If you would like to donate to the Society via 'Gifts that Keep Giving', please contact the Fundraising Team on 01202 703584.