Furry fun at teddy bear's tea party

World Autism Awareness Day event

A teddy bear's tea party brings family fun to the Kennet shopping centre in Newbury today (Thursday), to chime with World Autism Awareness Day.

The tea party has been organised by Kirilynn Gardner, a teaching assistant at the Mary Hare school, in Chieveley, to raise awareness of autism, with support groups and professionals on hand to to provide advice.

Mrs Gardner founded/runs at the Mary Hare the Happy Days Autistic Club - a support group, and Coles Diner - a youth club, for autistic children and their parents/carers.

The mother of two's 11-year-old son, Finn, suffers from Aspergers and Mrs Gardner said her son: "wants to be normal and finds life very different to the rest of us," and continued:

"He is in his own little world. I can't give him medicine, or an operation to make him better, he will always be like this and every day we have different challenges to face."

The tea party fun includes a teddy bear parade, competitions, cakes, toys, face painting and a raffle, with prizes donated by Vue Cinema, Arlington Arts and Donnington Grove Country Club.

The Teddy bear's tea party is from 10am to 5pm, at the Kennet Shopping centre.

Anyone who can provide further raffle prizes for the tea party, wishes to volunteer, or for further information, please contact Kirilynn Gardner, email k.gardner@maryhare.org.uk.