Sudbury mum ready for fundraising walk to raise £1,000 for Acton Playgroup as thanks for pre-school's support for young son
A Sudbury mother-of-two is on the march to raise £1,000, to assist a playgroup as thanks for the “amazing” help it has given her young son with complex needs.
Marie Patey paid tribute to staff at Acton Playgroup for their support for youngest son Bobby over the past two years, as she prepares to embark on an 11.6-mile sponsored walk today.
She will be joined by Bobby, his brother, George, 11, and their dad, Toby, on the journey from their home in Ballingdon to the playgroup and back.
Four-year-old Bobby was diagnosed from an early age with autism and global developmental delay, which his mum explained had presented many challenges.
But, after starting at Acton Playgroup at the age of two, Marie said the staff had not only provided tailored support to cater to her son’s additional needs, but also helped secure a placement at a specialist school, which he begins in September.
“The staff are amazing in all they do, along with the beautiful children who have become Bobby’s friends,” she told Suffolk News.
“They are just so caring, and they tailor everything to each child. For Bobby, that means letting him go in early and settling him in, before the other children arrive.
“It’s really tailored to what he needs and what keeps him happy, which is all you can ask for as a parent. It puts your mind at rest, knowing your child is going to a place where they are so well looked after.
“Bobby will be leaving in July to continue his school journey, so we will miss the staff and children and want to leave them with new outside equipment to enjoy.
“As a thank you, we are helping to raise money to upgrade the play equipment, which is in need of a bit of TLC.
“It would be a huge achievement to give something back after all they have done for us as a family. It would enable them to make the play area as good as they can for the children, particularly as the weather improves.”
The family set up an online donations appeal last week, with the community’s generosity allowing them to increase their overall target multiple times.
So far, they have received around £700 towards their £1,000 goal.
“We have been blown away with the support and would love to be able to buy the equipment outright,” said Marie.
“We really appreciate everyone’s support and donations as we know times are harder than ever – even small donations would be amazing.”
Kim Farley, manager of Acton Playgroup, added: “As a charity-run pre-school, it means so much to have this wonderful support from such a kind, caring family.
“We constantly have to raise funds. Marie’s efforts would mean the children can develop their skills using this new equipment.
“Marie and Toby have always supported us with fundraising. We are eternally grateful.”
Click here to donate to the cause.
