This in from Louise at the Isle of Wight Branch of The National Autistic Society (NAS), in her own words. Ed
The Isle of Wight Branch of The National Autistic Society (NAS) will be holding a lapped 150m Thomas & Friendsâ„¢ themed Train Walk at IW Steam Railway, Havenstreet on Sunday 24th July from 5.30pm – 7.30pm to help raise vital funds for the charity.
Based upon the classic Thomas & Friends books and characters, the Train Walk sees local families and friends walk together in a long train to help raise funds for local people affected by autism on the Isle of Wight.
Raising money for children with autism
Money raised from the NAS Isle of Wight Branch Train Walk will go towards new and existing branch activities and projects to include a mobile sensory toy library and after school club.
Louise Foley, NAS Isle of Wight Branch Officer, said: “Our Train Walk event is going to be wonderful for families affected by autism and I’m extremely grateful to Liz Taggart and everyone at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for giving us their support.
All of the children taking part will be rewarded with a certificate and some goodies.
There will be a prize for the family who raises the most money. As well as the sponsored walk there will also be the opportunity to see Thomas having a rest from his busy ‘Days out with Thomas’ event.
Lots of activities
After the walk there will be activities available in the large playing field and large marquee to include: Bring & Buy Thomas and Friends Stall, Raffle, Silk Marbling, Facepainting, Three Bouncy Castles, Chair-o-planes, Sit ‘n’ Ride Austin Cars, Sit ‘n’ Ride Train.
The Ryde Extreme Performers and Play Rangers will also be coming along with plenty for the children to enjoy.
Family BBQ
Families will also be able to have something to eat as Havenstreet staff are putting on a BBQ for us to enjoy, so we hope to see as many people as possible registering for the Train Walk and turning up on the day to have fun and to help raise vital funds for our branch.
Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition, but the right support at the right time can make an enormous difference to people’s lives.”
No Man is an Island
Melanie Swan, Project Manager of the No Man is an Island Community Interest Company, will again be offering fun activities in the large marquee said: “The No Man is an Island Project will be bringing their Open Weekend art activities to the marquee which they’ve been showing at the Quay Arts during the day, these will be available to see and take part in. We will also be joined by Bristol artist, Sarah Falber, who will be supervising some Silk Marbling activities which proved to be very popular last year.”
Your chance to donate raffle prizes
The NAS IOW branch would be thrilled to hear from local businesses who’d be happy to donate a raffle prize, please contact Adrienne Paget, NAS IOW branch fundraising coordinator on 07717 008609 or email [email protected]
Entry to the event is FREE but we would like families to make a 50p donation for each ride and some of the activities to help towards the cost of putting on this event.
For more information on the NAS Isle of Wight Branch Train Walk event please call: 07827 308768 email: [email protected] or visit our Website.
