TOUCHED by autism, Jemima Urquhart-Barham, from Ringwood, decided to design a fundraising challenge and raise money for Autism Wessex.

Nine-year-old Jemima has a cousin with autism and wanted to raise funds for the charity, which offers specialist services to anyone affected by autism and associated difficulties.

She designed a treasure map and sold squares to staff and pupils at her school.

Jemima said: “I enjoy fundraising and plan to do more for Autism Wessex in the future. I have lots of ideas and have organised a small fundraising committee in school.”

Autism is a lifelong condition affecting one out of 100 people, which, when you include family members means autism affects over 2,000,000 people in the UK.

Paul Reade, community and events fundraiser for Autism Wessex, said: “The charity relies heavily on fundraisers like Jemima so we can continue the excellent work we do with people affected by autism. We would like to thank Jemima for designing this fundraising challenge for Autism Wessex and would like to keep in touch with her and hear her ideas for future fundraising.”