As a number of you already know, I am a mum to three children, Kirsty (at almost 23 not much of a child!), Calum and Conor.. Calum was diagnosed with high functioning autism at age 4. We wondered what the future would hold for him educationally, as life seemed to be one big challenge for him, and indeed for us as a family. He came through the assessment nursery, then on to a language unit, and finally on to mainstream primary school with one to one support.

This year, at age 12 he moves on to high school, again with support. (He has a full statement of Special Educational Needs). He has done remarkably well at his primary school (Rainford Brook Lodge), and has made some lovely friends, who I am sure will be in his life for a long time to come. This year, not only was he nominated Young Citizen 2009 for the school, but he has won!! Tonight, he will be presented with his award at the Theatre Royal in St.Helens. It may not be the Oscars night at the Kodak Theatre but it's as good as for us.. I cannot begin to say how proud I am of him. I am also proud of those who have helped him and us along the way. Some have said he's a credit to us, maybe.. but I also have to thank the folk in the Scouting movement, Boys Brigade and the local church.. last but not least Brook Lodge, who have given him every encouragement and chance to move on to the next level.

Shirl (a very proud mum)

he's a lovely lad...i'm glad to have met him

all the best to you all shirl.

Thats brill Shirl, Give Calum my congrats, and you have every right to be a proud Mum!!

That is fantastic Shirl. What a great achievement. You all must be so very proud.

Good stuff Shirl. Hope that the awards ceremony is a blast. High fives to Calum

A sweet Mum you are

That is great Shirl.
You have every right to be proud of him!!

Have a great time at the awards!!!

That's lovely Shirl! Well done all of you! Have a great night and be very proud!

Well done to Calum.

congrats and have a good night =] xxx

Fantastic make sure you take some photos and see you next week.

xx

Congratulations to the whole family, Ihope the awards ceremony feels like the Oscars to him and you!

Well done Calum.

As a moher of a SEN child too, it makes us feel dead proud doesn't it!!!

Congrats again x

Thanks everyone. We had a great night. Mark, Kirsty (and boyfriend Andy), Calum, Conor and myself went for a Chinese meal before meeting up with Calum's headmistress and support assistant. We found some seats, then I was promoted to a reserved seat on the 2nd row in case Calum needed any reassuring before going up for his award. As it happens he was fine, though how I managed to keep myself together during the citation, I don't know. When I have a copy of it, I will publish it here. I was delighted to see another one of his friends from his days at the language unit receive a Young Citizens award from his school.

Unfortunately we weren't allowed to take photos there, but we will make a point of bringing the award and certificates to Llanberis. I am sure Calum will relish the photo opportunities then

Fantastic!

Steve W

That's a great achievement Shirl. You must be so proud. Congrats to Calum.

A huge Congratulations to young Calum.

Let's not forget that he's achieved what he has because he's had the unconditional, selfless love and support of a wonderful family and particularly a truly amazing and devoted mum.

Shirley, I am proud and honoured to claim you as a friend - as are we all. Well done, gehl! *hugs*

Many congratulations to Callum and to the Gibson family without whom ... ... ...

Many congratulations!