Katie’s journey told on BBC Radio Merseyside

Mid-morning show host Tony Snell was blown away by the inspiring journey of a young person with autism supported by our charity, Katie Richardson, when we were invited down to BBC Radio Merseyside studios to share her powerful story.

Joined by our charity’s Sports Inclusion Team Leader, Kurtis Marsh, the duo sat down with Tony, sharing insights into our charity’s support of Katie over the past few years, from her involvement in the award-winning Inclusive Volunteering programme, to living her dreams as a player in the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League for Warrington Wolves.

Revealing that Katie is now an official Super League photographer with the rugby league, Kurtis broke down the support that had helped empower her rise from a person low in confidence who wouldn’t turn on her camera for an online Media Club led by the charity, to capturing photos on the biggest stages of the sport, and being interviewed live on the radio.

“Over the years, we’ve been able to create and deliver many first-of-its-kind programmes with sporting events, tournaments and governing bodies, that truly engage the talents of people who have learning disabilities, autism, are in mental health recovery, breaking down societal barriers that often don’t see the potential in people who access social care. We believe that everyone has the right to live the best life possible.” Kurtis told Tony.

“Katie might have been low in confidence when she first joined our programmes, but a key thing is that she was willing to give things a try.

She’s so humble and is now building an excellent photography portfolio. At the start, we didn’t necessarily know this would be Katie’s journey, but knew that we could connect Katie with programmes that she could excel in.

Discovering that she had an eye for detail and real passion for sport, photography jumped out at us as a fantastic step for Katie to build her confidence and share her talents.

We’re so proud of what Katie has been able to achieve.”

Answering Tony’s question – Where would you be without Kurtis and the organisation? – Katie said, “I really don’t know, but I think it would be a completely different story. The charity and Kurtis have really helped me with providing lots of opportunities to build my self-belief and develop my skills. It’s easier now to talk with new people.

I joined their media club and photography clubs, and discovered a passion for taking photos, and found out that it was a way I could become more connected to the sport that I love.

Starting out as a hobby, the charity has helped me to secure more permanent roles as a photographer, and big clubs like St Helens Women’s are now publishing my photos on matchdays.

I’m really proud of what I’ve done so far, I can’t wait to continue on this path.”

Listen to the interview highlights here: