The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Mike Hodge has presented a cheque to The Simon Trust, which is a charity that supports adults with autism.

The money was raised from the sale of mince pies and mulled wine at the Farnham in Bloom Winter Celebration in December.

The Simon Trust is helping Surrey County Council provide purpose-built homes and facilities on a former farm in Alfold for ten young Surrey adults with severe autism. Building work has started and it is hoped that the first residents will be able to move into Linden Farm by the summer of 2019.

Councillor Mike Hodge says: “I first had the pleasure of being introduced to the team at The Simon Trust when I attended a fundraising evening of French songs and jazz last summer. The charity has set themselves a target to raise £500,000 so that the young people who will live at Linden Farm will the opportunity to take part in meaningful activities such as growing fruit and vegetables or looking after chickens and other farm animals. I am pleased to hear that the project is progressing and am delighted to have been able to present a small donation on behalf of all those who came along to the Winter Celebration on a very cold and wet afternoon in December.”

Sally Lawrence, Chairman of The Simon Trust says: “We are very grateful to Farnham Town Council for raising this money at their Winter Celebration. Linden Farm will give ten severely autistic young adults a home back in Surrey near their families. Every penny we raise will help us to provide facilities that will enrich the lives of these very vulnerable young people. We are aiming to provide therapy gardens, a cycle track, sports facilities, opportunities for music therapy, art and craft and a wonderful indoor sensory room. We hope that Linden Farm will become a centre of excellence for autism provision in Surrey.”

Please visit www.thesimontrust.org to make a donation or to find out more about The Simon Trust.