Inspirational Woman of the Year launches life-saving band!
Autism Campaigner joins with International charity to protect those with autism
Life-saving charity MedicAlert is celebrating the launch of the new AK Autism Wristbands today (17th March) at London College of Fashion. The wristbands which are designed by people affected by autism communicate vital personal and medical details in an emergency or if a person with Autism wanders or goes missing.
There are now more than 500,000 people in the UK with Autism; but latest research suggests that the true prevalence of children affected by Autism could be as high as 1 in 64. Wandering is a major concern for parents of autistic children, especially as they are often drawn towards water.
The AK Autism Bands are named in honour of leading Autism campaigner Anna Kennedy who was recently named Inspirational Woman of the Year by Samantha Cameron. Anna has created the largest facility for people affected by Autism in Europe.
To launch the bands, a unique one day photography showcase was held today at London College of Fashion (LCF). LCF student Ella Sullivan, currently in her final year studying BA (Hons) Fashion Styling and Photography, was selected by MedicAlert to produce thought provoking images to showcase these much needed life-saving bands.
Speaking about the experience Ella said: ‘When I visited Hillingdon Manor School to photograph the students I was overwhelmed by the happy and positive energy I got from the kids and staff. They all seemed to really enjoy their photo shoot, as did I! The whole experience was eye-opening and I really hope that the students' enthusiasm and sense of fun is conveyed in my photos. I'm delighted to have been asked to take part in this project. ' (One of the photos can be viewed here)
Anna Kennedy says:-
‘As a parent of 2 children with Autism, I know exactly the anxiety and stress that is caused when a person with autism disappears, gets injured or is in need of medical attention. Children with autism are often unable to communicate in such a situation. This new MedicAlert band is a wonderful innovation and will enable the emergency services and first-aiders to find out vital information when it matters.'
MedicAlert is the only registered charity that provides a life-saving identification system for people with hidden medical conditions and allergies. In an emergency, medical personnel have immediate access to vital information on the back of the disc. By phoning the emergency number, they can also gain further personal and medical information.
Chris Lunn from MedicAlert says:-
‘This is a real opportunity to reach a new audience and provide emergency information on their behalf when it matters. We are aware of countless examples of people with autism wandering or ending up in dangerous circumstances. This band will offer peace of mind and help relay their vital information to emergency personnel.'
The bands will go on sale in April priced at £24.95, plus the first year's membership at £25.
To find out more about MedicAlert and to order please call MedicAlert on freephone 0800 581 420 or visit http://www.medicalert.org.uk/
TO DOWNLOAD A PICTURE FROM THE SHOWCASE CLICK HERE
Ends.
* Notes to Editors
- Photographs of the bands are also available.
- For photo and interview opportunities please contact Chris Lunn on Tel. 020 7923 6489 / 07736054999
- Photographer Ella Sullivan traveled to Hillingdon Manor School to photograph some of the students wearing the AK Autism bands. The students who kindly modeled in the pictures are as follows:
Angelo Kennedy
Busby Pearson
Charlie Rosser
Emma Clemence
Gabriella Ince
Isabella Snow
Ola Dada
