News

Final gear checks. Deep breaths. A plane climbing steadily into the East Anglian sky. And then, freefall.

A remarkable three‑generation family has completed their long‑awaited charity skydive for Autism Anglia, raising over £2,000 (and counting!) to support autistic people across the region. Their story, first shared ahead of the jump, has now become an unforgettable moment of courage, celebration and community spirit.

A 16th Birthday They’ll Never Forget

For Alicia, the skydive was far more than a fundraising challenge, it was the ultimate way to celebrate her 16th birthday. Joined by two generations of her family, she swapped a traditional party for a parachute and a 13,000‑foot leap.

More than 40 friends and relatives gathered at the airfield to cheer them on, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement, nervous laughter and huge pride. From final gear checks to sky‑high triumphs, every moment was emotional and unforgettable.

Their smiles at landing said it all: core family memory made.

How Fundraising Changes Lives Across Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk

Every fundraiser, whether a skydive, a team challenge or a bake sale, helps Autism Anglia deliver its wide range of services supporting autistic people across East Anglia. Autism Anglia provides personalised support across Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, helping people build essential skills, confidence and independence.

• Building Confidence & Independence Through Specialist Programmes
  Autism Anglia’s Connect Centres offer activities designed to help autistic people learn new skills and increase independence.
• Safe, Supportive Living Environments
  Donations support residential homes and supported living services, which provide safe, friendly and welcoming places for autistic adults.
• Flexible Outreach Support
  The charity’s outreach services offer tailored, flexible help for autistic individuals in the community, ensuring they receive support at the right time and in the right way.
• Specialist Education for Young People
  Fundraising helps sustain education settings such as Doucecroft School, a specialist school for children and young people aged 3–19 with autism and other complex needs.
• Community Support & Inclusion
  Community Connect provides free autism and ADHD support for children and young people under 25 and their families in North‑East Essex, offering personalised advice on behaviours that challenge, guidance with school transitions, benefits and accessing other services. Families can also join friendly drop‑in sessions to meet others locally and receive support without needing a diagnosis.
• Training That Builds a More Inclusive Region
  Autism Anglia provides autism awareness and specialist training for families, individuals, small businesses, and workplaces across East Anglia — helping create a more inclusive and understanding society. Through practical guidance and expert‑led sessions, this training empowers people to better support autistic individuals in everyday life.

Corporate Fundraising: Why Businesses Are Taking The Leap

More organisations across East Anglia are embracing charity partnerships that deliver meaningful community impact while strengthening team culture. Challenge events, like skydives, treks and team fundraising days offer:

• Team building with purpose
  Shared goals and unforgettable experiences strengthen staff connections.
• Authentic CSR and ESG alignment
  Supporting a regional autism charity demonstrates genuine commitment to inclusion and community wellbeing.
• Positive PR and storytelling
  Challenge events offer great content for internal comms, social media and brand engagement.
• Local impact that truly matters
  Funds raised directly support autistic people across the same communities your staff and customers live and work in.

Partner With Autism Anglia

Autism Anglia’s Corporate Partnerships Programme gives businesses the opportunity to support essential local services through fundraising, volunteering and events.

Partnership benefits include:

• Team entry into challenge events
• Tailored fundraising activities
• Staff volunteering opportunities
• Local impact reporting
• Support from Autism Anglia’s fundraising team

👉 Learn more about building a partnership:
https://www.autism-anglia.org.uk/get-involved/corporate-partnerships/

A HUGE Thank You to an Inspirational Family

To Alicia and her incredible family, thank you.
Your bravery, generosity and commitment are helping autistic people across East Anglia access the support and understanding they deserve.

And to Alicia, Happy 16th Birthday! What an extraordinary way to celebrate 🎉🎂

Inspired to Take the Leap?

Whether you’re a business, a school or an individual looking for your next challenge, Autism Anglia offers incredible opportunities to raise funds and make a real difference.

👉 Explore services that your fundraising supports:
https://www.autism-anglia.org.uk/our-services/

👉 Discover fundraising ideas:
https://www.autism-anglia.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising/

👉 Learn about corporate partnerships:
https://www.autism-anglia.org.uk/get-involved/corporate-partnerships/

Together, we can continue to create a community where autistic people are understood, supported and celebrated.