Britain’s first autistic May queen will be presenting £7,500 to the YMCA to help children with disabilities.

Francesca Warren, 10, from Nork, was crowned earlier this year and will present the money raised at Banstead's May Fayre to the town's YMCA in The Horseshoe on Wednesday, October 30, front of the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Dr Lynne Hack and the event sponsors.

The YMCA plans to spend the money on computer and sensory equipment to help children with disabilities or complex needs plus bursaries for children from families in need to attend its youth club Y-Kids. It should also help pay for more one-to-one support for the children.

Melanie Warren, Francesca's mother said: "As a single mum, I find that it's very difficult to find a play scheme for both of my daughters that cater to their needs. You want both children to go to the same place. With Y-Kids, Francesca can get the one-to-one support, while my other little girl, Natasha, can go off with a group."

She also thanked the sponsors: "Because of their help and their generosity, we’ve made £7,500. Some of them donate services, some donate cash, and everything helps."

Francesca said: "I love the YMCA and I know that there are other autistic children out there and I think that [the money] can help autistic kids whose parents don’t have much money, and probably help the family as well, with treat money and things like that."

 

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