Portlaoise school praises mother for mini marathon fundraising

Third year student Seán O'Reilly and his mother Orlaith received a special appreciation post from St Mary's CBS for recent fundraising efforts for LOFFA and Solas.

The Facebook post thanked Orlaith who donated €615 from the funds raised to Solas and praised her kindness and generosity.

Laois Offaly Families For Autism (LOFFA) is a parent-run volunteer group which supports families of children and young people who have been given an autism diagnosis.

The group carry out their work through providing social outlets for young people and adults who have ASD and they assist in finding and linking in with local services and professionals who can provide appropriate supports.

LOFFA also provide workshops, information sessions, training, liaise with schools to raise awareness of ASD and assist in providing the supports that are needed for students and families.

Solas aim to help tackle perceived barriers preventing students from being able to benefit from a full educational experience, the project works to improve the self-worth, character and motivation of young people.