Stalwarts hailed a beacon of good (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Stalwarts hailed a beacon of good

3:00pm Friday 29th April 2005

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SIR Bob Geldof pipped Wanstead and Woodford community stalwarts Ivan and Charika Corea to the post after they were both nominated for the prestigious Beacon Prize.

The couple, who earned high praise for their involvement in the Autism Awareness Campaign UK, received a certificate of leadership in the awards, which aim to raise the profile of individuals who work for the public good.

The Coreas won praise after initiating the largest ever movement for autism in the UK and launching 2002 as autism awareness year, which was supported by more than 800 organisations.

Of the prize, Ivan said: "I'm thrilled. These awards are nice to have but the struggle still goes on and we are telling all political leaders that they must do more."

In 2000, Ivan and his wife decided to launch a campaign because their own exasperation in trying to access public services, such as respite care and speech therapy, for their son, Charin, who has autism.

Ivan, who has been backed by Tony Blair, Michael Howard and Charles Kennedy, believes it is an election issue and more should be done to help those with autism and Asperger's syndrome.

He said: "We've been pushing it up the political agenda. Leaders are finding parents speaking out saying we need more public services.

"There's no further education for them and what about the elderly? Who will look after them? Autism is on the rise in Redbridge but we don't know why, the scientists are still divided.

"When you have a child with autism you have to look at every stage of his life. They can't do what other children do. I have to fight for my son every inch of the way."

Awareness is still key, and Ivan says there are many children with autism who are not diagnosed.

His son attends Buckhurst Hill Primary and has teamed up with the special-needs Hatton School in Woodford Green.

Ivan, of Buckhurst Way, Buckhurst Hill, said: "They have parties together and are learning from each other. They are a really shining example of collaboration."

Mr Corea is extremely active in the local community, fighting for awareness of autism and supporting various Redbridge charities and churches. He is also an ambassador for the London 2012 Olympic bid.

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