A student at Alton College ran a fundraising and awareness stand in aid of the National Autism Society as part of the annual World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.
Theo Panayiotou, a second year uniformed and public services student, used the event as a chance to talk to fellow Alton College students and staff about his experiences with autism, the challenges he has overcome and his accomplishments.
Free cakes were on offer, as well as sensory objects for those in need, and Theo raised £115 for the charity.
Asked what inspired him to organise the event, Theo said: “I think National Autism Day is so important because it allows people to learn more about autism and how it affects people like me.
“Since I have been at Alton College, I have always wanted to organise an event like this to raise awareness, and have been inspired by people like Chris Packham who have spoken a lot about their experiences with autism.”
Staff were encouraged to see so many members of the college community engage in friendly and interesting conversations about autism.
Theo said that he hoped to organise more fundraisers like this in the future, with the goal of fostering an “open and productive” conversation about autism at the college and in the wider community.
He added: “I was really amazed by the number of Alton College students that visited my autism stand. I really enjoyed talking to them about autism and showing them an article I had written. We also gave them free cakes!
“It was a fantastic event and I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped me with this. It shows that even with autism, people have the ability to shine and make great things happen.”
To donate to Theo’s fundraiser, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/katie-jane-hobbs-5