Corkman is cycling 1,000 kilometres

By Ellen O'Regan

Jamie Kelly from Togher has set himself the challenge of cycling 1,000 kilometres across the month of April, Autism Awareness Month, to raise money for The Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism.

“I saw that April is Autism Awareness Month so I said why not hop on it and make a bit of money for people that could do with a bit of help,” said Jamie.

“From the last year or so going through it with my own small fella, I know how expensive it can be. Families can struggle with that a lot,” he said.

Jamie and his partner Natasha have recently turned to The Rainbow Club for support as their three year old son Alfie, is currently being assessed for autism by the HSE.

The Rainbow Club is a professional autism service provider. They are supported by over 60 volunteers, with a mission to provide skills, support and a community hub for children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.

“The help that the Rainbow Club give is unbelievable, not only just for kids but for parents too, providing services, educating families about autism and helping them out when they’re under pressure,” said Jamie.

Having already smashed his target of €1,000 on the first day of the month long challenge, Jamie is now pushing to see how much he can raise for the centre.

“It’s unbelievable the response we’re after getting, we’re delighted. For the rest of the month we’re just trying to raise as much as we can, and get as much publicity as possible so that people will support the cause,” said Jamie.

“You don’t have to donate a lot, every little bit helps for such a great cause and the kids and families who will benefit from it.”