A WEST Somerset girl is following in her big brother’s footsteps and raising funds this year to support an autism charity.
Ivy Thomas, aged seven, of Withycombe, is taking on the ‘Walk for Autism’ challenge which starts next month.
She will be walking 10,000 steps a day from March 26 in a challenge ending on April 2, which is also world autism acceptance day.
Ivy was diagnosed four years ago with autism spectrum disorder and selective mutism.
Her mother, Katy Thomas, said: “For Ivy, communication can be a daily challenge as she finds it difficult to speak in certain social situations.
“Selective mutism is a severe anxiety disorder that manifests as an intense fear of speaking.
“It is also known as situational mutism, where the main symptom is an inability to speak in specific social settings.
“Ivy does not choose not to speak, she literally cannot when out of her home or around others.”
Despite the challenges, Ivy has been raising awareness locally of the conditions and is determined to do even more.
She is a member of West Somerset dance group Oasis Juniors, which fully supports her and helps build confidence by allowing her to dance and be herself.
Ms Thomas said: “This support has been invaluable in helping Ivy to flourish.”
Ivy’s older brother Will Thomas has previously raised hundreds of pounds for the charity after his diagnosis in 2022.
But now his college commitments have not left time for him to continue doing so and instead Ivy has stepped up to take on the challenge for 2025.
Ms Thomas said: “Ivy has expressed a heartfelt desire to help other children just like her.
“Let us rally behind Ivy and support her in her commendable efforts.”
Ivy has already raised more than £60 through her online fund-raising page toward a target of £125.