Manchester United legend Paul Scholes is casting aside his low-key lifestyle and bringing the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas to a ball in aid of autism charity Hearts and Minds.
The event, which is being held at the Hilton Hotel on November 9, will also be attended by fellow patrons Melanie Sykes, John Fashanu, Keith Duffy and two-time Paralympic silver medallist Rik Waddon.
Hearts and Minds was formed in 2010 to help families living with autism and the charity hope to eventually raise £1million in order to open a centre of education for autism in Manchester.
British Paralympian Rik Waddon said: “It was an absolute honor to become a patron. By helping the charity gain recognition is a way that I can give back to a really great cause.”
Rik will be joined by various celebrities from The Only Ways is Essex and Coronation Street after last year’s Mad Men themed ball was a huge success.
Guests will also be treated to a three course meal and the chance to bag some amazing items in the charity auction.
“I had an amazing time at last year’s ball, it is a really great event and I am definitely looking forward to this year’s,” said Rik.
“This year will be even better because the wife can come [fellow British Paralympic swimmer, Natalie Jones] and I am sure she will enjoy it as much as me.”
As well as raising funds for an autism center in Manchester, Hearts and Minds run a scheme where they trade old mobile and electrical devices for iPads which are then given to children with autism.
The charity also aims to raise awareness about the condition as, although people know of autism, not enough is understand about it.
“I think raising awareness and funds are equally as important the charity is doing great work and the iPad scheme is just amazing,” said Rik.
“Autism is a fairly well known, however people often don’t know very much about it and there are quite a few misconceptions.”
“When I was a diagnosed [with cerebral palsy] in 1982 there weren’t many options for my parents, there were no special schools that I could go to.”
Also helping to reach the charity’s fund-raising target is Cheryl Broadfoot, mum of seven year old Bobby who has not spoken for 3 years as a result of autism.
Cheryl said: “My aim is to raise £5,000 in return for all my hair being shaved off. I want to spread the awareness of autism and Hearts & Minds challenge is trying so hard to achieve this.
“They have helped Bobby so much, providing a vital iPad to help his communication progress and becoming a support network for myself and so many others who need assistance in living with autism.”
Image courtesy of SkySports via YouTube, with thanks
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