Carrick charity night to aid autism and AD/HD support

Two charities which support those diagnosed with AD/HD and autism are to receive a further boost thanks to the efforts of a Carrick father.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Jan 2016, 16:58 BST
Kris and Kerri-Ann James with their children Kaden and Ana-Lucia during a trip to Disneyland. INCT 03-721-CONKris and Kerri-Ann James with their children Kaden and Ana-Lucia during a trip to Disneyland. INCT 03-721-CON
Kris and Kerri-Ann James with their children Kaden and Ana-Lucia during a trip to Disneyland. INCT 03-721-CON

Kris James, whose two young children are on the autistic spectrum, has been the driving force behind a number of fundraising events for Autism NI and ADD-NI over the past number of years.

These included taking part in a London to Paris cycle and the Causeway Triathlon.

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A coach with Ballyclare Rugby Club, Kris was also involved in designing a striking rugby top which aimed to promote the theme of autism awareness.

In all, his family’s fundraising efforts have raised nearly £15,000 for different charities.

“My son Kaden and daughter Ana-Lucia both have ADHD as well as autism and my wife Kerri-Ann was diagnosed with AD/HD, so it’s something that we as a family are well and truly into,” he told the Times.

And the local dad is now seeking support for his next charity endeavour: an auction evening at Carrick’s Swift complex in March.

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“We plan to run our biggest charity auction so far, with all the proceeds going to the Autism NI Carrickfergus community support group and ADD-NI, the only ADHD charity in Northern Ireland,” added Kris.

“It’s going to be a charity auction with loads of amazing items and some really cool raffles prizes as well.

“We will have a special guest appearance from Northern Ireland football legend Michael Hughes to make this a night to remember, and a chance to make a great amount of money for two great charities that are so close to our hearts.”

ADD-NI aims to provide support and information and to raise awareness of the disorder across the province, while working in partnership with those affected by AD/HD, their families and other agencies.

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Meanwhile, Autism NI offers support to parents/carers of newly diagnosed children as well as support to families who have been living with an autism spectrum disorder for longer periods.

The organisation also provides training and forms part of the RAFT early intervention service.

The auction will be held at The Swift complex in Carrickfergus on March 5, with doors opening from 7pm.

Tickets are available from The Swift Complex, 028 93368575 or contact Kris on 07748512827.

More information is also available on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ASDADHDcharityauction

Related topics:Carrick