Fundraising Drive For Children's Charity Tops Target With Dealership's Help
Bristol Street Motors Keighley Vauxhall is helping a five-year-old boy with suspected Autism on the road to smash his fundraising goal for specialist charity, Skipton Extended Learning for All (SELFA), supporting him and his family, after a financial shortfall meant it couldn’t operate its vital school holiday sessions.
Archie Rowe's family, including his grandmother Tracy Watson, a Service Advisor at Bristol Street Motors Keighley Vauxhall, are fighting for an Autism diagnosis for him - a process that can take years. After waiting a year, the hospital informed his mother, Caitlen, that if SELFA confirms Archie's difficulties, he could go straight to tribunal rather than wait longer. The one beacon of light for Archie and his family throughout that time has been SELFA’s children’s clubs, where the youngster feels he belongs, he fits in, and everyone is his friend. Archie’s mother credits SELFA with transforming his life.
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 has faced immense challenges getting him there, with Archie experiencing daily breakdowns and anxiety. Despite dreading school, Archie eagerly attends SELFA and would go daily if possible.
Archie said: “I love SELFA because everyone plays with me, and it is so much fun! I have friends at SELFA and I like the adults! I was sad when I couldn’t go in the school holidays and wanted to help SELFA and the other children who go.”
Emma Pears, Chief Executive of SELFA, said: “Archie’s determination and the support from his friends, family and Bristol Street Motors Keighley Vauxhall are truly inspiring. Running a charity, especially one that is as specialist as SELFA, is financially tougher than ever. Charities need all the help they can get to provide the support that makes a hugely positive impact on the lives of people like Archie and his family.
“Clearly, their enthusiasm for our work is so strong, it has inspired Bristol Street Motors to get involved, and I’m really pleased to have their support. Anything we can do to raise awareness is welcome.’
Tracy Watson, Archie’s grandmother and a Service Advisor at Bristol Street Motors Keighley Vauxhall, said: “Seeing the difference SELFA has made in Archie’s life has been wonderful. I am so grateful to everyone at Bristol Street Motors for their support, and I am so incredibly proud of Archie. I hope it goes some way to ensuring that they can keep going with their amazing work, and supporting families like our own.”
Caitlen Watson, Archie’s mum said: ‘Since starting at SELFA, there hasn’t been a day that Archie doesn’t want to go. The very first day we dropped him off he was there all day, and I was on edge awaiting a phone call to say he wouldn’t settle or was crying – it never arrived, and it hasn’t ever since.
“SELFA really is our lifeline, and we appreciate them all so much. We are blown away by all the support we have received, and would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped us along the way.”