On Saturday 11 June 2022 David and I went to the Anna Kennedy Online AUTISM HERO AWARDS. We had become aware of this very worthy cause when my friend Steven Smith shared a link to buy tickets to the event. When I looked into the charity, I was really impressed by all the work that Dr Anna Kennedy OBE has spent her life and career studying and campaigning for. This was a worthy cause and one which people don’t always understand.
As a former high school teacher, I have worked with children with autism and aspergers and I wanted to support. We also have family members with varying levels of the condition as well as friends who are autistic. Therefore I became a sponsor of the awards and I’m very glad I did as the whole evening consolidated exactly how important recognition is for many people with autism.
The evening started at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel in London with a drinks reception and red carpet photographs. During this time we were entertained by Autisic magician Angus Baskerville – who was superb – with close-up magic that completely bamboozled us.
We went into the gala dinner at around 7pm and the awards were opened by some talented young dancers from Pineapple Studios. The evening’s compere was Philip Barnett MEB and he kept the pace flowing fast throughout. Anna gave a welcome speech and presented two awards and then Calvin Billington Glen sang for us. Calvin is also autisic and I believe that he and Angus were both finalists in AUTISM’S GOT TALENT.
We were joined by my sister and her husband, Adele and Christian Maddison, and friends Pam Sharrock (the pocket rocket!), Lisa McMullin (Screenwriter) and Frazer Hines (Actor from Doctor Who, Emmerdale and much more), also on our table were William and Danielle representing IEP Financial who were also sponsors of the event. Needless to say this was a lot of fun.
I presented the PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD with the lovely Dr Pam Spurr (celebrity presenter and all round lovely lady). Later David Grant (Singer and vocal coach) also presented an award after speaking with Anna Kennedy about AUTISM’S GOT TALENT.
I was very impressed with David who was really interesting to speak to and is a huge supporter of Anna’s charity with his wife Carrie Grant.
The evening was fun as I’ve said, but also incredibly moving. We heard the stories of some of the people involved and some of their experiences and journeys were gruelling, but ultimately have ended in triumph. It was a truly humbling experience. It reminded me that we should never take for granted all that we have, and never judge others for being different from ourselves for ‘different’ does not mean ‘bad’ or ‘wrong’.
We came away from the event buzzing. It was a triumph for all involved and as a result it’s very likely that we will sponsor again next year.
