A CHARITY horse ride in aid of a Tavistock child's autism treatment is being staged next month — with many people expected to attend. Horse riders will take part to help raise awareness of the Son-Rise programme of America, a treatment Paul Lewis, 5, has been using for two years. Paul from Tavistock is autistic, which means he has problems communicating and relating to the world around him. But since starting the programme he has gone from being mute to having a very extensive vocabulary. Allen, Paul's father, wishes to use the ride to raise awareness so other parents with special needs children can observe how the programme works. The event starts and finishes at the East Dart Hotel in Postbridge — meeting halfway at the Dartmoor Inn, Merrivale, for refreshments and medals which will be presented to participants by West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox at 12.30pm. Allen said: 'As a direct result of the support and generosity of the whole of Tavistock's town and rural community and the kindness from my old friends at the South Devon Hunt, we have change a little boy's life and helped our family more than we can say.' The ride costs £10 per person. Any riders who cannot get transport to Postbridge are welcome to ride to Merrivale for 1pm and receive a taking part medal. Mick Channon, racehorse trainer and former England footballer, has donated an auction prize — to visit his stables and watch the horses train on the gallops around the yard and have breakfast with him. For more information contact Allen on 01822 614335.
