Two best friends from Markethill are taking to the skies to raise money for a charity working to support young people living with autism.
Maya Skrzypczyk and Mia Porter (both 18 years old) have been close friends for three years and together they share a profound understanding of the impacts of autism and the importance of support services for those with diagnoses and their families.
Mia’s younger sister Ellise (15) lives with the condition and her struggles over the years have not gone unnoticed by her older sibling.
Speaking to Armagh I, Mia explained: “Autism has impacted Ellise’s life tremendously. She struggles with day-to-day things such as her emotions, especially, which just take over.
“Growing up, Ellise had issues with other children bullying her because she has autism. As she suffers from epilepsy as well she’s very limited to the stuff she’s able to do, however, when we started with Autism Families this changed.”
Mia cannot speak highly enough of the charity and all they do for Ellise and other service users.
Of the change in Ellise since joining, she said: “They have impacted her substantially, they’ve taught her that it’s ok to be herself and ok to be a little different, she no longer lets herself get upset when people say stuff to her.
“She holds her head high as Autism Families have taught her to be proud of herself and not let others tell her any different.”
According to Mia Autism Families run regular days out including fun runs and walks where participants get medals and their families are also invited to attend.
Activities like this, she says, give the young people a sense of achievement and pride. “Ellise is always quick to bring the medals home and show everyone how proud of herself she is,” said Mia.
To give back to the organisation who have given Ellise and her family so much, Mia suggested to her friend that they should do something major to help bring in funds.
She suggested a skydive and Maya was immediately on board, despite her immediate reservations.
Said Maya: “I am super nervous because I’m terrified of heights (conveniently) but Mia’s more excited than nervous!”
They have planned to take part in the terrifying feat on April 3 and have so far raised an incredible £1,100.
With just weeks to go to the big day, the pair are keen to bring in as much as they can to help give them that little push they will need on the day!
Autism NI is Northern Ireland’s longest serving autism charity and training provider, and we work to provide life changing services for over 35,000 autistic people and their families through Northern Ireland.
They campaign to inspire and educate local people, communities, businesses and government to ensure everyone can understand autism, and how to support autistic people.
They also strive to build an inclusive society where autistic people can achieve their full potential, and believe this can be achieved through supporting autistic people and their families, and by campaigning for autism acceptance within society.
Click here to make and contribution and support Autism Families through Mia and Maya’s fundraiser.
