Railway offers day out for Autism Awareness Day

A heritage railway centre has held an event to mark World Autism Awareness Day - offering families the chance to enjoy a quiet and safe day out.

Nene Valley Railway (NVR), near Peterborough, welcomed visitors on Thursday from across the UK as part of the event, which aimed to support people with visible and hidden disabilities.

Families were able to travel on the Thomas stream train, which ran between Wansford and Yarwell in Cambridgeshire, as well as a range of other activities.

Janet from Werrington, whose son has autism and cerebral palsy, said: "To have an autism day, you know it is going to be great as you know everyone is experiencing the same."

The aim of Autism Awareness Day, which is organised by the United Nations, is to raise awareness of autism and highlight what can be done to improve the quality of life for autistic people.

Janet said that it could be hard for families to attend events with children with autism and said that she had often sat at home worrying about it.

"It can be really hard especially on days out, it is either ok or isn't ok, and it depends on the environment and lots of things," she added.

"For families like us it is great when you know there are families here like you."

Nicola, from Newark, visited the event with her family. Her son has mytonic dystrophy and autism.

She said the event was "great as it is a lot quieter and there are not huge crowds".

"Everyone knows what you've gone through and is in the same situation, and it just makes you feel a lot more relaxed," Nicola added.

"There are hard times, and there is judgement from people around, but I would not change him, he is perfect the way he is," she said of her son.

The railway said all proceeds would be put towards supporting the Autism Railway Crew, which helped promote inclusion and awareness across the railway network.

James Rollo, organiser of the event and founder of the Autism Rail Crew, said: "It is very important really as it spreads awareness on what autism is, and makes sure that everyone knows how to support autism itself."

The 32-year-old, who also has autism, added: "Autism can come in many different ways, but as long as we find a way to support that, that is our biggest mission accomplished there."

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