An inspiring Derry girl with a "heart of gold" is on a fundraising mission after her twin was diagnosed with ASD.
Sienna, seven, told mum Roisin Carlin that she wanted to raise money to help local group COS, Circle of Support, Raising Autism Awareness. This Saturday, March 26, she will be doing just that.
Sienna's twin sister Sarah-Lou was diagnosed with ASD at the age of three. Since then the family have been navigating their way with this early diagnosis.
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Organisations such as COS Raising Autism Awareness offer support to parents, provide support to siblings and the opportunity to meet and form friendship and reduce the feeling of isolation experienced by families with children who have additional needs.
Sienna decided that she wanted to give something back to this fantastic organisation and approached her mum Roisin with her idea.
Roisin said: "When Sienna approached my partner Darren and I to let us know her idea we were so proud however not surprised. Sienna has a heart of gold and always wants to help if she can. The idea was all hers from start to finish"
Roisin put an anonymous request through Derry entertainer Micky Doherty asking for any available support people would be willing to give Sienna.
There was huge public support and a number of local businesses have donated cash or treats for Sienna to sell as part of her fundraiser.
There has been a massive community response to Sienna's efforts, and she's now looking forward to carrying out her fundraiser this weekend.
Roisin said: "Sienna had a vision. She asked us if we could put up the gazebo with some colourful flags, get a big table, ask shops in Derry if they would help us and tell everyone to come.
"She then told us she wanted to raise £100 and she will draw a big heart, divide it into 10 pieces and each time we make £10 we can colour it in.
"Sienna said we can display it in our window so everyone can see."
As well as huge public support, Sienna's family members and friends of her family have been her biggest supporters.
Roisin said: "Her Nana baked for us as well for the fundraiser. Her Nana and Granda Carlin are her number 1 fans, they have supported us so very much in every way. They are the absolute best.
"Denise Geary, who is one of the founding mums of COS has been an angel in disguise. The support she has given our family is next to none."
Those wishing to help Sienna's fundraiser can do so by contacting Roisin via Facebook.
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