A HAMPSHIRE charity struggling to cope with the impact of the pandemic is celebrating the award of a £5,000 grant.
The Positive Path Foundation is the latest beneficiary of a fund named after a multi-millionaire who was killed in a helicopter crash in the US in 2018.
Charles Burnett III, a cousin of Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, was one of five people who died in the accident.
Mr Burnett, 61, entered the record books in 2009 after his Hampshire-based attempt to set a new world record for the fastest steam-powered car ended in triumph.
He achieved a speed of 148.308mph at Edwards Air Force Base in California, easily beating the previous record set by Fred Marriott in his Stanley Steamer in 1906.
The Sway-based Foundation supports people with learning difficulties and physical challenges by helping them gain social skills, independence and work opportunities.
But the Covid crisis has left it struggling to cope with a sharp rise in demand accompanied by a shortage of funds.
Marina Vrahimi, the Foundation's marketing manager, said: "We've been inundated since the pandemic due to rising mental health and isolation issues."
Marina said those in need of support included people with autism and Asperger’s. She added: "These are people who struggle socially in ‘normal’ times let alone lockdowns. We've been able to give them the skills and access to a life full of friendship, learning and fun."
The Foundation was launched by Jane Atkinson, whose son George is autistic.
Marina said: "She struggled for years to find suitable disability social groups for her son and decided to set up a charity herself to not only benefit George but many others like him.
"The Foundation hosts workshops which help our members to gain the vital communication and life skills."
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