THE Dartmoor Horse Ride for Autism Awareness and Paul Lewis's Son-Rise for autism turned out to be a runaway success with 124 horses taking part. Among those who supported and attended the charity event on April 13 were top names in the horse racing world — Bob Champion, Martin Pipe, Peter Scudamore and local jockey Jimmy Frost. The final total raised came to £4,400 with Francis Jasper, the landlord of Tavistock pub the Union Inn, who raised £800 on the auction and one of his bar staff, Laurie Masters, who rode and raised the same. Francis has now helped to raise more than £3,000 for Paul's Son-Rise programme for autism. Paul's father, Allen, has seen his autism awareness campaign raise £9,000 on the promotion of this cause and in total almost £40,000 for Paul's Son- Rise programme since it began in January 2005. Paul's story of success is worldwide now and is helping inspire and change many families' lives. Allen said: 'We still have more work to do, but the wonderful thing now is people in all circles take me and my cause seriously. 'I will continue to speak out for other parents with special needs children — it's a privilege.'
