Hollinwood Academy is in need of a new sensory room – and there’s one pupil who’s going “above and beyond” to help make it a reality.
Billy Harrison, 13, has autism and also lives with chronic pain, which can affect his mobility.
When he found out about his school’s fundraiser, he asked his mum Louise about what he could do to help.
Ms Harrison said: “He’s just a kind, caring soul. He wears his heart on his sleeve and always goes above and beyond.
“No matter how much pain he’s in, he gets up every day with a smile and wants to help others. I’m just really proud of him.”
Billy is a keen swimmer, as it’s the only exercise that doesn’t impact his joints or body.
Together with his mum and the help of his swimming coach, Billy is completing sponsored swim with a total distance of 16,500m over the course of a month.
Ms Harrison explained what the sensory would mean to Billy and his fellow pupils.
He said: “It will benefit the whole school, but especially Billy. When he’s in too much pain or can’t concentrate, a sensory space helps him calm down, regulate himself and take a step back.
“At the moment, they don’t have one, so he uses a small room and takes his own sensory bag in.
“He’s had so many opportunities through his school, and he just wants to give something back to it.”
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This is not the first time Billy has gone out of his way for a good cause.
In the past, Billy has helped with collections for the local food bank and he saves all his coins throughout the year to buy items for the Christmas donations.
The Oldham Times also spoke to Billy last year when he created a special artwork to commemorate the anniversary of the Manchester arena terrorist attack.
Louise is incredibly proud of her son’s empathy for other and thinks “we need more Billys in the world”.
She said: “It’s amazing. I think he’s an inspiration. The world can feel like a negative place, but he’s so positive. He doesn’t see the dark, he only sees the bright.
“It can be difficult because his body does let him down sometimes. He has to challenge himself, but we’re careful not to push him too far.
“He’s just trying to do his best and make a difference.”
Anyone who wishes to donate to Billy's fundraiser can get in touch with Louise via Facebook.
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