This is what happened at Autism Together’s ‘Bring Out Your Blue’…

Supporters of Wirral-based organisation, Autism Together completed a sponsored walk from Seacombe Ferry to New Brighton on Saturday morning.

The event marked the launch of a £200,000 fundraising appeal to enable the organisation to build new rooms at their respite facility, The Ferns which is the only purpose-built, autism-specific facility in the North West.

The fundraising appeal kicked-off just 24 hours after Liverpool launched its ambition to become the first autism-friendly city in the UK with Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Liverpool One and Signature Living among those pledging support.

Braving the wind and rain on Saturday, also World Autism Awareness Day, volunteers wore blue to support the national campaign, Bring out your Blue, as they walked, danced and cheered their way along the Mersey river pathway to New Brighton.

Fundraising Manager at Autism Together, Lindsay Tilston-Jones said: “It’s heart-warming to see so many families come out in these conditions to support our fundraising appeal, even the dogs are wearing blue.”

After splashing in the puddles, walkers were given a chance to dry off and enjoy a free bacon sandwich from Mike Rice and his team at The Queen’s Royal Hotel, New Brighton.

With medals hanging proudly around their necks, including the dogs too, there was one last surprise in store for the fundraisers.

A flash mob of dance students from the Katie Glover School of Dance and some enthusiastic volunteers staged a brilliant dance routine to Fleur East’s 2015 hit single, Play That Sax on the promenade to end the event on a high.

For more information about Autism Together go to www.autismtogether.co.uk