Taking a break from playtime, little Oakley Kannor, aged two, has been helping his Dad, Ethan, with some important Brentwood Brewery business as the pair presented a cheque to Warley-based children’s charity SNAP (Special Needs and Parents).

The donation totalling £200 was achieved through the generosity of visitors to Brentwood Brewery’s 10th anniversary celebrations, the Flashback Beer Festival, raising £50 in SNAP collection pots, a £50 donation from the brewery from Lighting Up Shenfield at Christmas along with a £100 donation based on sales from Flashback Fest.

“SNAP has been a go-to point since Oakley was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome.

“Oakley attends a weekly group at SNAP which he absolutely loves. We feel it is somewhere he is free to explore activities and play at his own pace. He particularly likes Maggie and her musical instruments and the wonderful sensory room,” said Ethan Kannor.

Fragile X Syndrome is a genetic condition which causes a range of developmental problems that can include delayed speech and language, thus impacting communication. It is the most common inherited cause of learning disability.

Touring the SNAP Centre with founder and manager Hilary Needham MBE and learning about their facilities and history, Head Brewer Ethan added:

“The charity has not only supported Oakley, but us as parents too, helping us to feel included in a family that understand his needs.

“We are very grateful that we have such a brilliant charity just round the corner to us.”

Receiving the cheque on behalf of SNAP were Rob Dennis and Jos Hollington, the charity’s super-busy fundraising team. They are challenged with the task of helping to raise the half a million pounds it takes each year to keep the centre and all the charity’s work going.

“Thank you so much to all of the wonderful staff and customers at Brentwood Brewing Company for supporting us through festivals, community events and a regular collection.

“All the money raised will help us continue to be there for local families with children and young people who have any special need or disability and we couldn’t do this without the support of the community,” said SNAP’s Hilary Needham MBE.

SNAP helps families with children and young people with special needs and disabilities and is currently helping 1900 families. Projections estimate that 500 new families will seek help from the charity this year. As well as running a programme of supported activities for children and young people at the SNAP Centre in Pastoral Way, Warley, the charity also offers parents advice, training and support.

For more details about SNAP or to find out about their programme of fundraising events like SNAP Charity Golf Day on 10th October, visit www.snapcharity.org.

To find out more about Fragile X Syndrome contact SNAP or visit fragilex.org.uk.