Autistic Campaigner Suzanne Fernando and local businesswoman Toni Patterson from Hollywood Glamour in Saltcoats joined together to raise £500 - at their recent fundraising event.

Guests were treated to eyebrow waxing, tints, gel polishes, glitter hair strands, face painting, a sensory room and many wonderful prizes were up for grabs in a raffle.

North Ayrshire Provost Ian Clarkson and Suzanne Fernando were among the guest speakers during the event.

Suzanne said: “We all enjoyed a fun, autism friendly event where everyone was welcomed with a glass of champagne (non-alcoholic Bubbly for the wee one’s) and a mince pie. We’ve all been touched in one way or another by autism and it was wonderful to see our community come together to show there support for the National Autistic Society Scotland.

“We’ve come a long way in raising autism awareness in our communities but there’s still more to be done until everyone understands autism. We need the public’s support to raise vital funds to continue with various training programmes throughout Scotland and to continue raising awareness especially in schools. Am delighted to announce our event was a huge success and we managed to raise a whopping £500 - for a very worthy Scottish charity.”

Toni said: “My Son was recently diagnosed with Autism and the support we’ve received from both local campaigner Suzanne and the National Autistic Society Scotland has been invaluable, I can’t thank them enough.

“I would like to say a huge thanks to everyone who attended, our guest speakers, 3TFM, volunteers, everyone who donated a raffle prize, cakes, balloons, face paints and photographer Alan Watson for their contribution as without you these events would not be the success they are so thank you.”