LONDON, UK: The John Lewis Partnership is holding the first 2008 public opening of its private garden, The Longstock Water Garden in Stockbridge, Hampshire on Sunday, April 6, 2008 to raise funds for Autism Speaks, the only registered charity in the United Kingdom set up solely to raise funds for research into the causes of autism.

The Longstock event comes just four days after the first United Nations-declared World Autism Awareness Day,  April 2, 2008. Autism Speaks intends to use this rare fund-raising opportunity not only to boost cash for research at universities across the UK, but also to raise the profile of Autism Speaks in South-East England.

“The promise of Spring has its parallels in what Autism Speaks is doing,” says Head of Events, Lynn Hart: “Hope and help for thousands of families affected by autism throughout the UK is within our grasp. Please come to join us and experience Spring at its most delicate and enticing in The Longstock Water Garden on Sunday April 6.”

Entry for adults is £5 and children £1. For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, please go to www.autismspeaks.org.uk or ring Lynn Hart on 01491 411569/lynn.hart@autismspeaks.org.uk.

By kind permission of the John Lewis Partnership.

For media enquiries, including more information on World Autism Awareness Day, please to Liz Roberts, 01235 834295/ liz.roberts@autismspeaks.org.uk. The charity always endeavours to find families willing to speak about the impact of autism on their lives if that would be of interest.

(Source: Autism Speaks, January 22, 2008)