A Hull dad-of-five whose son was diagnosed with autism after showing developmental delays is gearing up to complete a gruelling challenge to raise funds for a charity that supports parents whose children have additional needs.
Jamie Smith and Jessica-Amy Beedham’s second oldest child, River, 7, was officially diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder (ADD) when he was five. His parents sought a diagnosis after noticing delays in his development, including a lack of interaction and inability to speak.
Over the years, Jamie and Jessica have been supported by local charity Listening Ear 4 U, which offers help and support to families of SEND children and organises special, sensory-friendly events designed to support the children’s unique needs, with transport included.
The charity also hosts discounted family outings where parents and siblings can enjoy some respite and provides emotional and peer support for parents and carers.
On Saturday, June 14, Jamie, along with many others, will embark on a sponsored 12-mile run from Hull to Hornsea, starting at the Transpennine Trail in Sutton, with all proceeds going to Listening Ear 4 U.
(Image: Jamie Smith)
Speaking to Hull Live, Jamie said: “The charity has provided a lot of trips out for River and our family. They’ve organised things like going to The Deep and Alton Towers, which has been really good for children like my son. When I heard they were trying to raise some money, I thought I’d do the run and help raise as much as possible.”
“We can’t take River out on a normal day because we tend to get a lot of judgement from other families – River might run over to people’s tables and take their food – but the charity exclusively hire out these places to accommodate the children’s needs,” said Jamie and Jessica.
(Image: Jamie Smith)
“They have been so good because we’re now able to do things with River that we want to do, through this charity. Not many children with additional needs get to have these days out because they might have sensory issues or it’s too overwhelming for them. It’s been great to engage with the other parents at these events – and they totally get it, which is really nice.”
Speaking about River’s symptoms and diagnosis, his parents said: “Our firstborn Charlotte was really advanced, so we had her to compare to, and that’s when we started to worry. River never interacted, never played peekaboo or said ‘mama’ or ‘dada’, and didn’t eat solid foods until he was 16 months old.
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“We made a GP appointment and the doctor wasn’t concerned, but a few months later the health visitor came to do the two-year check and she said she could see the signs of autism. But this charity have been amazing for River, and for us.”
To donate to the Gofundme and help raise funds for Listening Ear 4 U, click here.