This year Daisy Chain has been celebrating an incredible 15 years of offering support to families affected by autism and this will culminate at the organisation’s flagship spectacular annual Winter Ball.
Although founder Lesley Hanson sadly died soon after the charity’s inception, her family are delighted the charity continues to fulfil her dream. Son Jacob, 24, visited Daisy Chain at the start of 2018 to see how much the charity had grown.
Jacob said: ‘Like the old saying goes from small acorns do mighty oaks grow, and after 15 years in the making it’s amazing to see Daisy Chain blossom. Myself and the rest of my family are all pleased with the great impact Daisy Chain has made in caring for those on the spectrum and raising awareness of autism.’
Guests at the Winter Ball on Friday November 30 will hear from Carolynn and Geoff O’Donnell whose ten-year-old son Liam has autism. Carolynn visited Daisy Chain over five years ago after Liam was diagnosed and felt instantly it was the place to be as a family. ‘I knew then we were not alone. It was fantastic to be able to meet with other parents have people to talk to who understood,’ she says.
The couple also volunteer one day each week in Daisy Chain’s charity superstore on Portrack Lane in Stockton as they were determined to give something back in return for all the support they receive as a family.
Daisy Chain is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Places at the Winter Ball at Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield cost £60 including drinks reception, three course dinner, live entertainment and a disco. There are still some tickets available which can be booked at https://www.daisychainproject.co.uk/Event/winter-ball-2018