Sussex mum to shave head and raise funds for autistic sons

Alison Hussey, from Haywards Heath, has decided to brave the shave for her 43rd birthday in the hope of raising £5,000 to buy a specially trained assistance dog.

Brothers Fletcher, 11, and Raylan, eight, have both been diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder.

Alison said that balancing the needs of her sons can be “tricky”, especially with the added pressure of lockdown.

She said: “Fletcher has what I would call classic autism, he has difficulty with sensory issues, doesn’t like to be touched and wants to spend a lot of time on his own.

“Rylan, on the other hand, suffers from anxiety and isn’t good at reading social cues but he is a very sociable boy who wants to be loved and can’t stand to be alone.”

Alison hopes that the dog would be a companion to Fletcher and also provide Rylan with the company he craves.

The boys are currently on a waiting list for a specially training assistance dog from Supporting Paws, a charity which provides people with autism and neuro-disabilities support dogs.

Alison said: “We have been assessed by Supporting Paws and are on the waiting list for a litter which will be born in April 2021.

“After this the dog will also need to be trained to be able to support the boys.

“And in the meantime we need to raise the funds.”

Crowdfunding charity Tree Of Hope is also supporting the family with their fundraising efforts.

Tree Of Hope helps families to fundraise for children’s operations, therapies and equipment that are unobtainable via the NHS.

Chief executive Gill Gibb said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Hussey family in their fundraising efforts and wish them all the best in reaching their target.”

Alison will shave her head on Saturday, November 21.

The family has already raised £3,925 of the £5,500 they need, and they have more fundraising ideas up their sleeves.

Fletcher and Raylan’s father Paul is also seeking sponsorship for having his legs waxed in January.