A TILBURY youngster has smashed his fundraising target to help the borough branch of the National Autistic Society.

Nine-year-old Elliot McArthur, who attends Tilbury's Pioneer Academy, is on the autistic spectrum and has been helped by the society, which is currently celebrating World Autism Awareness Week.

Mum Robyn says: "They have done amazing things for him in lockdown so he wanted to do something to say thank-you and planned a sponsored walk from Tilbury Fort to Coalhouse Fort and back, which we completed yesterday (Friday, 2 April).

Elliot explains what the charity means to him, saying: "I chose the society because they help people with autism like me.

"They let me do fun things and they let me have my sensory bag when we go out and they send me and my brothers lots of things in lockdown. I have got friends in the society like me too so that's why you should give them lots of money please."

Robyn, who accompanied Elliot on the walk together with the family's rescue dog Luna, takes up the story, adding: "The National Autistic Society is a charity with a lot of meaning to our family.

"This is not just because of their mission statements, but the help and support they have given us through the diagnosis process and beyond. They have educated us, accepted us and given us life experiences we would never dreamed possible.

"Through the 2020 lockdown they supported us carers, entertained our kids and they kept us connected.

"They have helped wipe our tears, guided us through overloads and helped us fight battles for the future of our autistic children. The National Autistic Society is more then just a charity, they are a family, a lifeline.

"They are helping to change the way autistic people are seen in society, they are helping autistic people have the success, help and opportunities they are entitled too.

"So please, help us to raise some money for the National Autistic Society so that autistic people like Elliot and their families can be supported, so society can continue to be educated. We hope that one day we will live in a society where autism is accepted."

Elliot originally set a target of £400, and he has already raised £500. If you would like to help him and the society further, you can donate via this link.