A
Liverpool mum is urging people to answer her call for old mobile
phones – as part of a fundraising scheme aimed at providing
autistic children with iPads.
Traci
Morrissey is calling on Liverpudlians to donate unwanted handsets so
that she can buy an iPad for her son Peter Bruffell, who is currently
awaiting diagnosis for Autistic Spectrum Disorders and ADHD.
Two-year-old
Peter cannot talk, which limits his ability to communicate and causes
him to become agitated and frustrated – similar to a child with
autism.
The
scheme, run by autism charity, Hearts & Minds Challenge, enables
families to exchange old mobiles for iPads. Just 165 mobile phones
can be traded in for a brand new iPad, which can make a real
difference to youngsters like Peter.
Traci,
32, from Orrell Park, said: “The Hearts & Minds iPad scheme is
amazing because it will enable Peter to access learning across all
areas and help him feel less frustrated. He can already show me
things on my iPhone and he loves using computers, so if we get an
iPad it will allow Peter to continue communicating with us in this
way.
“I’d
like to encourage anyone who may have old or unwanted mobiles lying
around at home to get in contact and help transform my son’s life.”
Hearts
& Minds Challenge is a charity dedicated to supporting children
and families touched by autism. The organisation, which is supported
by Mel Sykes, Keith Duffy and Paul Scholes, aims to raise the quality
of life for individuals and their families affected by the disorder,
by ensuring the provision of the highest standards in education, care
and support.
To
date, the charity’s fundraising activity has raised over £500,000
and has helped to educate and support many children and families.
Ian
McGrath, founder of Hearts & Minds, said: “This scheme has
already helped to transform the lives of over 219 families around the
UK and we would like to see many more people benefit.
“The
therapeutic benefits of using interactive, easy-to-use technology,
such as an iPad, have now been widely recognised and really can make
a difference. I’d like to encourage everyone to donate any old
phones to help support Peter and his family.”
Mobile
phones can be donated at Kids Connect on Moss Lane, Orrell Park, or
please contact traci.morrissey@hotmail.co.uk
to donate them directly to Peter’s family.
