Mayo man raises over €9,700 for autism awareness

A MAYO man who walked from Ahascragh to Castlebar in an effort to raise money and awareness for autism has given thanks to all who have donated so far.

Tom Fitzpatrick is originally from Carnacon and now living in Ahascragh Village, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, with his wife Teresa and four sons; his youngest Conor suffering from seizures since he was a couple of days old. For the first few months of his life he was in and out of hospital and he regularly visits Temple Street hospital still. He is now four and is over a year seizure free as he is on medication to prevent him having them.

At the beginning of this year he was diagnosed autism.

“From the minute he was diagnosed the help and support from everybody in the health sector both local and outside the county has been amazing. From physio to speech and learning, to medical care etc has been just amazing. We certainly would not have gotten by without help and guidance from everyone,” said Tom.

“Conor was a gift from heaven and has changed me, Teresa, Tommy, Ryan and Cillian's lives forever and we love him dearly. He has thought us to enjoy life and take everyday as it comes no matter the difficulties that comes in front us we just keeping smiling and keep going, keep trying and keep walking!!

“He is always so happy and an inspiration to us all. Speech has been a difficulty for Conor and so too has been walking.

Tom wanted to do something or giving something back, not only for Conor but people with Autism as a whole and the people that help people with autism at every level throughout Ireland.

From October 7 to October 9, he walked from his home, via Dunmore and Claremorris, before finishing in MacHale Park, Castlebar, which was over 20 hours of walking.

As to why it was three days, Tom said: “Conor has struggled with his walking but he is getting there in his own time, at his own pace, and he will get there. We know he will and so will I for him. Just because things are done a bit slower doesn't mean they are any less special than anything else.”

To date, Tom has raised over €9,700 for the charity As I Am. You can donate at https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/TomFitzpatrick.