A GROUP of autistic children took the plunge in Northwich to help raise £600 for charity.

Eleven children on the autistic spectrum, their siblings and their parents swam a total of 302 lengths of the 25 metre pool during a swimathon in aid of Cheshire Autism Practical Support (ChAPS) earlier this month.

ChAPS runs monthly family swimming sessions at Memorial Court in Northwich and in Ellesmere Port.

This allows children who often cannot attend ‘neuro-typical’ activities because of their difficulties to enjoy swimming with their family without being judged and where they can be themselves.

“This is our first sponsored swim and we are so proud of our children and we are amazed with their achievement to swim so far”, said Jo Garner, managing director of ChAPS.

“We are delighted with the money raised which will go towards installing the sensory room at our offices in Runcorn”.

Jo Garner set up the charity almost seven years ago and offering support to families across Cheshire, who have a dependent on the autism spectrum.

A large number of regular activities are held for children, young people, adults and their parents. The support and advice and has become a vital lifeline for many families within Cheshire.

As well as swimming, activities include youth clubs, meet ups for adults on the spectrum, yoga, roller skating, ice skating, horse riding, animal interaction therapy sessions.

For more information about ChAPS visit cheshireautism.org.uk