Bake sale for autism awareness by ‘Mascot Pete’ (9) at Tulips’ match

A challenge has been set for people to get behind nine-year-old Peter Bailey who will be running a bake sale to help others with autism at this weekend’s Spalding United match.

Dedicated supporter Peter, a pupil at Gosberton House Academy, which caters particularly for those on the autistic spectrum, has earned himself the moniker Mascot Pete after last year selling his toys to raise money for the club when it was broken into. Following that, the club presented him with his own named shirt and on a number of occasions since he has led the team out.

Peter’s nan Joanne Bailey said: “We’ve only recently told him he has autism because of his level of understanding and he still doesn’t really know what that means.
“He knows lots of children at his school have autism though and that’s another reason he wants to do it and, to do it at the football ground, that’s a dream! He’s a very caring child.”

Peter, who lives in Cradge Bank, with his grandad Paul and Joanne, saw a poster for World Autism Awareness Week and asked if he could get involved.

On Saturday (March 18) when Spalding play Belper Town at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field, Peter will be raising money for the National Autistic Society between 1.30pm to 5pm. And the club has challenged people to both add to his wares and get along to pick something up – even if they’re not staying for the match.

Andy Gay, club chairman, said: “He’s a little character that everybody has taken to at the club. I think it touched everybody’s heart when he sold his toys to give money to the club.
“It’s nice to think we can try to give something back to the community.”