Boyzone singer and actor Keith Duffy has announced he is stepping down as patron of Irish Autism Action (IAA) to concentrate on his family and career.
Duffy has been fundraising and building awareness of children with autism for more than 10 years. He has helped IAA raise over €8 million which contributed to the creation and development of services for children with autism and their families.
His personal fundraising initiatives such as the Keith Duffy golf day and Keith Duffy Masquerade Ball have generated hundreds of thousands of euro for Irish Autism Action.
His public support for 12 early-intervention schools helped secure State recognition for the schools.
Duffy also launched a partnership between Early Childhood Ireland and IAA which, over a three-year period, will help create autism-friendly pre-school settings.
Chief executive officer of IAA Kevin Whelan thanked Duffy for his “stellar campaigning” for the charity.
“Awareness drives understanding which in turn drives action. Keith has been key in creating the awareness through his extensive, very personal interviews relating to his family’s journey with autism,” said Mr Whelan.
Irish Autism Action will hold National Pyjama Day on March 6th which it hopes will raise significant funds.