CHILDREN at All Saints Playgroup are supporting their autistic classmate and raising money for the Ilkley Gazette's Robert's Ray of Hope Campaign.

We are aiming to raise £5,000 towards specific educational therapy for three-year-old Robert Sime, of Gilstead Way, Ilkley, so he can develop his communication skills and have the opportunity to attend a mainstream school.

He is making progress with the intensive one-to-one Lovaas programme, but treatment costs about £18,000 a year and we have launched our campaign, in conjuction with the Ilkley and District Round Table, to ensure he can continue with the therapy.

Robert attends All Saints Playgroup twice a week and playgroup leader Diane Jones told the Gazette the children have planned a decorated egg display to raise money for him.

"Every Easter we have a fundraising event for a children's charity and this year, because Robert is with us, we've decided to do something for him," said Mrs Jones.

The 60 children at the playgroup are decorating eggs in time for Easter and each will be asked to make a small donation when they hand them in for the display.

"We feel it's very fitting that we do this for Robert and we all support him. He has done really well and made progress. There's still a lot of work to be done but everyone is doing their best for him."

Autism is a developmental neurological disorder and typical autistic children do not make gestures or communicate.

Mrs Jones said: "The main thing is that Robert is in contact with his peers and at the moment we are helping him to learn how to play. He is doing really well. Pre-school age is the time when treatment is the most effective and it's vital that he continues with the therapy and gets the extra support from the playgroup."

Robert is given one-to-one guidance with a special tutor at the playgroup and the other workers also help out.

"We have all been reading up on autism and I've been on a 13-week special needs course which has been a great help so we all know how we can help Robert," added Mrs Jones.

Mrs Sime said Robert is continuing to make progress with his speech.

"He's really coming on with his sounds and he's saying quite a few words now. It's wonderful to see him doing so well," she said.

The Gazette is planning a sponsored work-out session within the next few weeks to raise money for Robert's Ray of Hope Campaign.

John Cunliffe, the author of Postman Pat, has donated a signed copy of one of his books which we hope to auction off with other items at a later date. If anyone would like to donate other items towards the auction please contact the Gazette.

The Ilkley and District Round Table is planning a number of events for Robert. This summer Tablers will be canoeing along the Leeds-Liverpool canal.

If any readers would like to arrange a fundraising activity, the Gazette would like to hear from you.

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