The Dunsbee family are trying to raise £5000 for Autism East Midlands after their daughter suffers with the condition by swimming to France.
Hayley, 25 has been diagnosed with Autism, her family decided to raise money for the local charity to help support other families in a similar situation.
The team of five, Sarah, Cara, Amanda, Tim, Ian and Andy each swam for an hour until they reached the shores of France.
The family swam in one of the busiest shipping channels amongst ferries, boats and tankers for the 21 mile distance against tides and in the cold water of the English Channel.
Picture: The Dunsbee family all ready for the big 21 mile swim.
Mum, Sarah says that the family came to the decision to raise money for the charity after they had to make a difficult decision about Hayley’s future.
“Adult life has been getting harder and harder for Hayley. She has found life very difficult to cope with and so have we as a family, in the end no one was helping Hayley.”
“We spoke to experts and between us all we decided to move Hayley into a lovely residential home.”
Her mum now describes Hayley’s life as ‘awesome’ and says that she has been able to become independent with 24 hour support.
They now want to help other support other families who are going through diagnosis.
Picture: Sarah, Hayley’s mum ready for the big swim.
Twin sister, Cara also participated in the relay across the channel to support her sister depsite the fact she had never been on a boat.
“For me it was a massive hurdle, I’m terrified of fish and had never even been on a boat before.”
“It was such an achievement to know that because of Hayley I’ve conquered my fears.”
The family are intending to raise £5000 for the local charity Autism East Midlands.
Head of Income Generation for Autism East Midlands, Melanie Howard, said: “Swimming the channel is such an incredibly brave and daring challenge and we’re so grateful that team decided to fundraise for us.”
“We wish them luck every step of the way and are grateful for all the support they have received!”
-Melanie Howard, Head of Income Generations for Autism East Midlands
The local charity offers a wide range of services designed to support people affected by autism, including play and leisure services for children and young people, a specialist school, outreach and supported living services, as well as residential and flexible day services for adults with autism.
Autism East Midlands also provides specialist training for parents and professionals and operates one of the very few autism-specific diagnostic and assessment centres in the country.
So far the family have raised a total of £4,050 only just short of their target.
If you would like to donate visit Hayleys Page.
