AFL stars lace up to support teen's cause

*Originally published as the Herald Sun - 8abef28470fcc9f1d2751e904deef65e

AFL star Ben Brown is helping a teenager make a big difference to his young nephew’s life.Luke Williams, 17, is raising money for vital extra therapy sessions for nephew Hugo, who suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorder.And now Australia’s biggest sporting stars are lacing up to support him.They include Brown, Jordan Roughead and Billy Brownless, who have all jumped behind the cause. Since founding Lend a Hand to Hugo in 2014, the charity has raised more than $40,000 for families around Australia living with autism.Luke said the stigma surrounding the developmental disorder needed to be changed.“One in every 100 people are diagnosed with autism … but no two people affected are the same,” Luke said.“It’s about enabling, not labelling people with different abilities.”

For North Melbourne star Brown, the charity has a personal connection, as one of his brothers has been diagnosed with Asperger’s. “People living with autism have a lot to give to society and we can learn a lot from them,” Brown said.

Brown said his experience in a football club had highlighted the importance of embracing everyone, no matter their circumstances or abilities.

“Inclusion is a big one for me … it can make a big difference in people’s lives,” he said.

Brown said he had been wearing the charity’s logo on his shoelaces ever since he pulled on his boots with the Kangaroos.

Details: lendahandtohugo.org

genevieve.alison@news.com.au

*Just like Ben, you can wear Lend a hand to Hugo shoe laces - contact us or view our merchandise.