The owner of a commercial cleaning company has rallied all 40 employees to support a fundraiser for disabled and neurodivergent children – and has spoken out to encourage other businesses to get involved.
Claire Gilbert owns Crystal Klean in Newcastle-under-Lyme and is a mum-of-three whose youngest son, 14-year-old Zaine, received an autism diagnosis in 2021.
Claire and her team have got behind Caudwell Children’s first Wear Purple fundraiser on 2 April and will be donating while donning purple on the day. The event is being held to coincide with Autism Awareness Day.
Keele-based charity Caudwell Children provides practical and emotional support for disabled and neurodivergent children and their families. Its award-winning Caudwell International Children’s Centre is the UK’s first purpose-built centre for multi-disciplinary therapy for childhood disability and research of neurodevelopmental conditions including autism.
Claire said she was ‘blown away’ by the facility when she visited.
She said: “Seeing all the features that have been thoughtfully designed with young people like Zaine in mind made me emotional. I was particularly impressed by the sensory rooms and quiet spaces, which help create a calm environment where autistic children can retreat to if they become overwhelmed or over stimulated.”
She added: “I’ve got a team of 40, and we’re all proud to be fundraising for this brilliant cause. Two of my office workers also have autistic children, and I employ neurodivergent staff too. Just like Caudwell Children, I’m passionate about empowering neurodivergent young people, helping them to find their path and build their future, their way.”
Claire noticed Zaine wasn’t hitting certain milestones from an early age, but it took until he was aged nine to receive his diagnosis. He moved from mainstream education to a special school at the end of primary school. Now in Year 10, he’s doing ‘really well’.
Clare Wherton, SME Partnerships Manager at Caudwell Children, said: “We’re thrilled to have Crystal Klean involved in our inaugural Wear Purple Day and hope they’ll inspire others to take part.
“Claire’s personal connection to our cause is a poignant reminder of the challenges young disabled and neurodivergent people can face but that, with the right diagnosis and support, they can go on to reach their true potential.”
- To donate to Caudwell Children via Crystal Klean’s fundraiser, click here.
- To find out more, follow this link.
