Norwich schoolboy hoping to be Christmas model of the year
Taylor loves Doctor Who (Photo: The Kerri Parker Academy) - Credit: Archant
An eight-year-old boy who suffers with autism is raising money for charity and hoping to be crowned 'Xmas Model of the Year'.
Taylor with his mum Lucy (Photo: Lucy Richardson) - Credit: Archant
Norwich-based Taylor Richardson-Shepherd hasn't had an easy start to life after being diagnosed with autism, ADHD and epilepsy.
His mother, Lucy Richardson, said Taylor has a range of complex needs and struggles to be around a lot of people. His education has suffered as a result and he was out of school for many months.
But, Taylor has put all this aside to compete in the Kerri Parker Academy 'Xmas Model of the Year' competition, which is taking place at Wensum Valley Golf Club on December 9.
'Doing a catwalk is a massive thing for Taylor as he loves his own comfort zone and struggles out and about,' said Miss Richardson.
Taylor loves to dress up (Photo: Lucy Richardson) - Credit: Archant
One of the catwalk rounds is a Christmas dress-up theme which Taylor has helped choose his outfit for.
Aside from the model element of the show, part of the competition is to raise money for a chosen charity. Taylor has decided to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research and has set up a JustGiving page which people can donate to.
This isn't the first time Taylor has helped raise money for charity. Back in 2016, along with his mum, he raised £600 for the British Heart Foundation and then £700 for Brain Tumour Research earlier this year.
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He has taken huge inspiration from his mother, who won Miss Charity Model of the Year 2017 and also Norfolk Supreme Charity Winner 2017 with the Kerri Parker Academy.
Miss Richardson hopes the competition experience will benefit Taylor's needs and help him feel more confident.
