A thriving west Cumbrian charity celebrated its second birthday recently.
Bee Unique - which supports families with autistic children – had lots to celebrate. In the past year, the charity has organised 1,126 activities, catering for a total of 15,746 individuals, and raised £190,000.
The charity is the vision of Nadia Shaw and Dave Parsons, of Flimby - parents and carers to two non-verbal boys, both diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Condition with Associated Learning Difficulties.
"Having children with autism is tough, but the smallest of milestones are heartfelt rewards," said Nadia.
"Knowing our journey as SEN (special education needs) parents to our amazing boys Dylan and Elliott is incredibly important. We are their acceptance, their support, their voice, their positivity, their strength and advocate but most importantly we are parents who will never give up.
"Dylan and Elliott are our inspiration. They are not the same as everyone else, yet they are no different to anyone else. They are just them. Their unique awesome selves."
To celebrate the milestone, the charity organised an adults event with live music.
"Families sent in videos of what Bee Unique means to them, and there was not a dry eye in the room," said Nadia.
They also laid on some family fun in Whitehaven and Carlisle.
"There was a magic show, crazy bingo and a disco for all the family to enjoy," said Nadia.
The couple are so grateful for all the support they have - in many forms.
"We wouldn't have been able to set up and run the charity without the amazing support from Natalie and Martin McCarron," said Nadia.
"There is so much support from so many people which enables us to do this around jobs and our own family.
"We have the most incredible, dedicated and motivated team who have enabled the charity to continue to grow across Cumbria and Lancashire."
Nadia and Dave give their time voluntarily. "All the money raised has gone straight into the charity pot to fund all the activities," said Nadia.
Parent Hayley Moffatt is in no doubt about the importance of the charity.
"It’s a place full of people who are like minded. They are so patient, compassionate and so kind "Our beautiful daughter Ophelia showed us love needs not a word and Bee Unique have give her the chance to make her feel like she’s heard."
More details at beeuniquecharity.co.uk.
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