Barley Fields Primary School pupils each donated £1 to swap their uniforms for a 'Onesie Wednesday'
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Barley Fields Primary School Onesie Wednesday for charity
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Youngsters and staff at a Teesside school stepped into their comfort zones to support World Autism Awareness Day.
Barley Fields Primary School pupils each donated £1 to swap their uniforms for a “Onesie Wednesday” in support of eight Autism sufferers in the school - including Madeleine Grainger.
Nine-year-old Madeleine was diagnosed with autism four years ago, and also has mutism - an anxiety disorder that stops her from speaking.
Her mum, Stephanie Grianger, 37, from Ingleby, joined in the fun and sported her polar bear onesie at Batleys Cash and Carry, in Stockton, where she was selling raffle tickets and cakes.
“Today is about raising awareness,” said mum-of-three Stephanie, whose eldest son Chris, 17, is also autistic.
“I want people to not only hear the word but to understand the actual meaning of it. My children appear normal, and people often assume they have a bad attitude, but it’s not.
“It is the fact they take longer to process and respond to certain situations. Today is about finding out what the word autism means and learning about it. Any funds raised in the meantime is a bonus.”
The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for people affected by autism and it supports 1,378 adults through social and independent living.
Onesie Wednesday aims to encourage people across the country to show their support for anyone on the autistic spectrum by “being different” and wearing a onesie to work or school.
Funds were also being raised for the British Heart Foundation, in honour of three-year-old Evie Clasper, from Ingleby, who is awaiting a vital heart transplant.
Nine-year-old Ellie Stolweather, was part of the organising team who arranged cake and book stalls throughout the day.
She said: “We have spent a long time arranging everything and it’s been stressful at times, but we have had so much fun.
“It is really important to raise awareness for autism, because it is something that can go unnoticed. And we wanted to help the British Heart Foundation on behalf of Daisy in Year 1 who is sisters with Evie. It’s good to know we are supporting charities that help to change peoples lives too.”
Deputy head teacher Caroline Taylor said: “we are tremendously proud of the efforts of the children involved. They have worked together to organise the event.
“As a school we welcome and value the social awareness our children have and commend their efforts in constantly thinking how they can improve the life of others.”
The school raised £626 which will be shared between the National Autistic Society and the British Heart Foundation.
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