FOR World Autism Acceptance Week a father who’s spent two weeks fundraising in honour of his autistic son has donated over £3,000 to charity.
Over the last two weekends Robert Campbell has cycled between six football clubs who’d shown support to his football-loving son Harry, all while raising funds for the National Autistic Society.
Joining him on both journeys was his dad Frank, who at 69 is still doing what he can to help out.
Now, to mark World Autism Acceptance Week, which runs from April 2 to 8, the pair have donated a total of £3,445.39 to the charity.
“It was great to get round the different clubs,” Robert told the Chronicle.
“At Huddersfield their former player Andy Booth met us and invited us into the stadium.
“It was fantastic to get a warm welcome like that from them.
“It was nice to reminisce with him about one of my favourite ever matches, between Barnsley and Huddersfield in the Championship a few years back.”
Other clubs also took time out to support Robert and his dad’s cause, with Rotherham United calling them ‘inspirational’ in a special article sharing their fundraiser, and Barnsley inviting them pitch side to run a bucket collection at last Friday’s match against Cambridge United.
“They’ve shown some great support, through social media and helping us raise awareness, and also by letting us do bucket collecting at the match.
“We were supported by both fans home and away who threw in some money.
“But it was a massive team effort - there were ten of us in total who all came out to help us on a bank holiday.
“It was the closest match to Autism Awareness Week, but I thought with Good Friday people would be going away on holiday. Still there were people willing to take time out and support us.”
