Littlehampton woman supports families after own experiences

And now, as chairman of Littlehampton-based charity Raydar, she is helping to support other families in similar situations to her own, she told members of Littlehampton Rotary Club.

She was speaking at the beginning of what promises to be an exciting year for Raydar, with a move to new premises at Evans Gardens, in Arcade Road, thanks to a generous, anonymous benefactor.

Helen began by showing a DVD featuring various activities organised by Raydar over the past couple of years.

She has several qualifications in child care, but her interest developed through her experiences with her own children, including a daughter with an enlarged kidney, an eight-year-old son who is autistic and twins, one of whom is disabled.

The aim of Raydar, she said, was to ensure that children with special needs or disabilities did not fall off the “radar”. The organisation cares for children in Worthing, Littlehampton, Arundel and Wick and there is even a child in the Brighton area who is given help and support by the charity.

Helen added that she and her committee had also given respite care to parents by taking some of the children camping, which the youngsters loved. They had the chance to climb trees and enjoy so many outdoor things they had not had the opportunity to try before.

In a busy year ahead, Raydar will be fund-raising at events including the Pancake Olympics, Littlehampton Carnival and the Town Show.

Rotarian John Mitchell gave the vote of thanks and club president Mike Findlay told Helen he was sure that Rotary would be making a donation to Raydar “to help with your worthwhile organisation.”