A GENEROUS law firm has donated thousands of pounds to a local charity to give young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome the chance to continue playing football.
The £2,354 donation, from mfg Solicitors on the Tything, will help the charity ASPIE cover the costs of minibuses for matches, pitch hire and a new team kit for their football side, ASPIE Avengers.
Founded in 2011 by Sarah Micklewright, ASPIE is a social self-help and motivation group for adults with Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism that can cause difficulties in communicating and forming social relationships.
Diagnosed with the condition herself, Sarah completed a law degree, become an accountant and a member of MENSA before she died in 2014, aged just 38. The charity is now led by her mother, Julia.
Julia Micklewright said: “Living with Asperger’s often means it is difficult to find like-minded people to talk to or take part in activities with. Enjoying football is something that most people do and take for granted.
“For someone with Asperger’s it is a huge step forward because it is about developing those interpersonal skills, teamwork and friendship that is so often second nature to non ASPIEs out on the pitch.
“We are very grateful to mfg Solicitors for their generous support and sponsorship which will make an enormous difference to our members and their families.”
Kirsten Bridgewater, partner and head of mfg’s Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, said: “The football team has a hugely positive impact on the well being of the young people who attend ASPIE. When we found out through Lisa that they were looking for a sponsor we didn’t hesitate to help.
“We are all very proud to be able to assist such an important, local charity which helps give young people living with this condition the best possible life. Sport plays such an important role.”
For more information on ASPIE please visit www.aspie.org.uk
