A FAMILY trying to raise £10,000 to help their autistic son has been given a boost by some pennies from heaven.

St Mary's Catholic Primary School, in Rodbourne Cheney, has stepped in to help Richie Ward, of Pinehurst, who has spent the first six years of his life in silence.

Every pupil at the school has painted a picture some with coins attached which will be sold to parents and all the proceeds will go to the family's fundraising campaign.

Although Richie has began to utter some words including "go," "again" and "mum" he still finds communicating with the outside world a struggle.

His parents, Sharon and Jason, of Myrtle Gardens, have started the Son-rise communication programme, which helps autistic youngsters.

Next year the family wants to take Richie to Massachusetts in America for an intensive week, learning more about Son-rise costing £10,000.

So far the couple, who also have two daughters Carrie-Ann, seven and Grace, two, have raised £4,500.

In an effort to boost the total children at St Mary's, where Carrie-Ann is a pupil, have been giving them a helping hand.

Every pupil designed a picture and they have all been framed.

At a barbecue held at the school on Friday the paintings, which had coins attached, were displayed for parents to buy.

And all the money is being donated to the family.

"I'm so pleased that the school has got involved," said Sharon.

Earlier this month her husband, a print-finisher, did a sponsored bike ride to Weston-super-Mare for the cause.

"It's just so nice to think that people want to help us and help Richie," said Sharon.

"It's especially nice for Carrie-Ann to think that her school wanted to get involved because she understands what we are trying to do for Richie."

The Son-rise programme began in America and is based on play and communication and promises to give autistic children their first words.

Parents are encouraged to engage with their autistic child and mirror their behaviour.

The Wards have a special "focus" room for Richie, which has toys and mirrors in it.

The room is dedicated to Richie, and his parents spend hours playing and talking to him to encourage his speech.

St Mary's acting headteacher Margaret Robinson said she was delighted the school could help.

"We first sponsored Mr Ward when he did his charity bike ride but decided to hold an event to raise more money," she said.

"As a school we like to get involved with fundraising."

There is a 15-month waiting list for the Son-rise programme but the Wards are planning to book Richie a place soon so they have enough time to raise the remaining money.