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Jean Genie · Joined: 12 Dec 2005 Posts: 1651 Location: Merseyside

As a number of you already know, I am a mum to three children, Kirsty (at almost 23 not much of a child!), Calum and Conor.. Calum was diagnosed with high functioning autism at age 4. We wondered what the future would hold for him educationally, as life seemed to be one big challenge for him, and indeed for us as a family. He came through the assessment nursery, then on to a language unit, and finally on to mainstream primary school with one to one support.

This year, at age 12 he moves on to high school, again with support. (He has a full statement of Special Educational Needs). He has done remarkably well at his primary school (Rainford Brook Lodge), and has made some lovely friends, who I am sure will be in his life for a long time to come. This year, not only was he nominated Young Citizen 2009 for the school, but he has won!! Tomorrow night, he will be presented with his award at the Theatre Royal in St.Helens. It may not be the Oscars night at the Kodak Theatre but it's as good as for us.. I cannot begin to say how proud I am of him. I am also proud of those who have helped him and us along the way. Some have said he's a credit to us, maybe.. but I also have to thank the folk in the Scouting movement, Boys Brigade and the local church.. last but not least Brook Lodge, who have given him every encouragement and chance to move on to the next level.

Shirl (a very proud mum) Very Happy

happycat30 · Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:23 am Post subject:

Congratulations Shirl - and well done Calum ! - you surely are a proud Mum ! It means a lot of strength and good nerves - as I can ( try to ) imagine !
And I hope - you`ll bring some pics with you next Month !!! Very Happy

Hugs, Kerstin

Jean Genie · Joined: 12 Dec 2005 Posts: 1651 Location: Merseyside

Hope to have some kind of pics to show you Kerstin. Not sure if we are allowed to take photos at the event, but I think it's going to be in the local papers. I am sure we will be able to get some pictures one way or another, even if they are taken later. I will try to send you one over the mobile, but not sure how clear it will be.. Smile

AFARR · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Posts: 677 Location: Wirral England

That's really lovely news Shirley (nice to hear some of that for a change eh!). I bet you are all proud as punch!!!

Hope you have a fab night and like Kerstin says looking forward to seeing the pictures!!

See you soon,

Andrea & Jim xx
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Jean Genie · Joined: 12 Dec 2005 Posts: 1651 Location: Merseyside

Thank you for your wishes.. Tonight promises to be a very special night. As you say Andrea, it's nice to have some good news, and Calum has brought us so much love and laughter in his life already. I still smile when I remember the hug he gave Mike Peters in Liverpool on 23 May telling him that he was his "best mate" and his "best rock star in the world"!! Bless him, Mike was a legend and appreciated the moment as much as we did!! Smile

(He also said hello to other folk too, but that was only after we had surgically removed him from Mike)

ALI BIN TABNAB · Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:19 pm Post subject:

That's nice to read Shirlo. My little boy is 8 years old and he's a little diamond. Been out tadpoling with him tonight...he he.
Yes, you and your other half should rightly be very proud of Calum.
Lovely stuff. Very Happy

FUNFOXYLADY007 · Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 10:44 pm Post subject:

Hey Shirley

they grow up so fast Very Happy

I'm sure he'll do well at High School Wink

my little cherub (lol) is also heading to High School after the holidays

He is almost as tall as me!!!.......I think he'll be starting school in an adults sized suit LOL

Good Luck to all parents Smile

We all need it LOL

xx
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Jean Genie · Joined: 12 Dec 2005 Posts: 1651 Location: Merseyside

Hi Ash and Sandra - thanks for your messages. Our children do grow up so quickly, don't they?

We had a great time last night. There were some lovely children up for awards, and some very moving stories. It was especially nice to see one of Calum's buds from the language unit receive an award for Young Citizen from his school. It just shows how loving and courteous these children can ba, considering their social skills limitations (His friend is also autistic). We captured a bit of film of Calum with the Mayor of St Helens, although strictly speaking we weren't allowed to take photos there. (They kind of relaxed that after the presentations). There was an official photographer on stage taking individual photos and some group ones, so it looks like these could make the press. I telephoned Andrea later, as she works for JMU (John Moores Univereity), and they were co-sponsors of the event. There could well be some coverage on their website, and I'm sure that Andrea will inform us if this is so.