A DEVOTED mum is on a mission to encourage people to do more to understand autism.

This weekend saw Christine Nunn from Bridport climb Mount Snowdon to raise funds for the National Autistic Society.

The trek was inspired by her 10-year-old son Jacob, who has only recently been diagnosed with autism.

Christine, 32, along with her 52-year-old mother, Jennifer Vickery, headed up the mountain on Sunday.

Christine said: “We had an amazing day. The climb up was a varied and interesting route with climbing as well as walking and some tricky parts too. There were some amazing views - until the clouds rolled in. The summit was really busy but you get a real sense of achievement getting there and I thought for much of the day of Jacob and how proud I am of him. The hardest part for me was the descent, challenging on the feet, shins and knees.”

She added: “For years we suspected Jacob suffered from autism but it was incredibly difficult to find help and support and it felt quite isolating at times.

“The National Autistic Society have a fabulous website, which provided us with lots of information and advice. I often found myself on the website looking for support and still use it every week.

“Although there is much more awareness now than when Jacob first started school, there is still a huge amount of misunderstanding and lack of knowledge out there. Autism is quite often referred to as a ‘hidden disability’.

“Jacob is smart, funny, kind and makes us so proud. And as well as the daily struggles and difficulties of having autism, he has ADHD too.”

Christine and Jennifer were part of a group of 46 doing the trek and who all together have already raised more than £18,000.

Christine added: “We are really proud to of been part of a great team on the day and raised loads of money for a wonderful cause. Jacob may need a little help understanding the world but the world needs much more help understanding people like him.

“One day, the world will understand (hopefully).”

Anyone wishing to donate can visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Christine-Nunn1?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=updates&utm_content=Christine-Nunn1&utm_campaign=updates-facebook