A LOMOND School pupil has raised around £2,000 for a charity close to his heart.

Calum Deverill, who has Asperger’s,has been fundraising for the National Autistic Society while preparing to sit his Higher exams.

The fifth-year pupil first fundraised for the charity around this time last year when he took part in a bucket collection in Glasgow Central Station during Autism Awareness Week.

Following the collection, Calum asked if he could help to fundraise a little closer to home and has participated in bucket collections in Helensburgh and at Clydebank’s Empire Cinema in fancy dress.

The 17-year-old said: “Several members of my family are diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum and so I am very aware of the day to day challenges faced by people on the spectrum.

“I have also seen family members being supported by various projects run by the National Autistic Society such as the person to person project and befriending schemes which were of enormous benefit to my relatives.

“This is why I really wanted to help raise funds for this organisation.”

Jenny Paterson, director of The National Autistic Society Scotland, said: “Calum has overcome a number of challenges in order to help autistic people living in Scotland, and increase understanding of the condition which affects one in 100 people.

“His determination, enthusiasm and commitment is incredible. For a young man to devote his spare time to helping others, whilst juggling school work, is to be commended.”

Proud mum Karen Deverill said: “My son has always been very focused and determined and we are delighted that his enthusiasm for fundraising is helping to improve the lives of people on the spectrum.

“Calum and the other volunteers have raised an amazing amount of money in such a short time and Calum has managed to combine fundraising with the demands of school and studying for his Highers.

“It is particularly lovely that Calum recognised the value of support provided by NAS and responded in such a positive way. As a family we are very proud of him and the other volunteers.”

Calum and the other volunteers have been invited back to the Empire Cinema for another day of fundraising and are hoping to raise even more for the charity.

The teen extended his thanks to everyone who has donated so far and to the cinema for its support.

He said: “I have really enjoyed raising funds for NAS and it has been good learning to work as part of a team as generally I prefer to do things on my own.

“I plan to continue fundraising for NAS in the years ahead as I know the money is put to good use funding projects which really make a difference to people with autism and their families.”

Anyone interested in getting involved with volunteering, who can spare a few hours, is asked to join Calum and volunteers at the cinema on Saturday, April 1.

For more information on NAS visit www.autism.org.uk/