Scottish Autism has enlisted the help of TV’s Line of Duty and BBC Scotland’s The Nest star Martin Compston to launch a new online fundraising campaign whilst raising awareness, acceptance and understanding of autism.

The charity’s BIG Keepy Uppy Challenge, which launches this Sunday on Father’s Day, invites children and their dads to put their football skills to the test whilst raising much needed funds for Scottish Autism.

Challenge participants will be invited to record their attempt to perform as many consecutive keepy uppies which can then be posted onto their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn pages, using the hashtags #Scottish Autism #BigKeepyUppy, and tagging three friends to also take on the challenge. All those taking part will be asked to text ‘KEEPY’ to 70085 to donate £5 to Scottish Autism. 

Donations will help enable the charity to continue to provide vital services such as its Autism Advice Line.  The Autism Advice Line, is managed by a small team of experienced autism advisors, providing practical and emotional advice and support to autistic people and their families.  The charity has been experiencing unprecedented levels of calls since lockdown began– over 100% more than usual. 

Greenock-born Martin Compston, a former professional footballer with his local club Greenock Morton and now a hugely successful TV and Film actor has thrown his support behind the new campaign posting a video of his footballing prowess.  Martin proudly wore his Scotland strip and took part all the way from America where he is currently living.   Scottish Autism supporter, broadcaster Stuart Cosgrove said: "Martin is a great advocate for Scotland and for a wide range of causes,  he is always keen to put something back into the society he grew up in.”

Find more about The BIG Keepy Uppy Challenge

Charlene Tait Deputy CEO Scottish Autism said: “We’re delighted and grateful to have Martin launch the BIG Keepy Uppie Challenge for Scottish Autism.  We know lockdown has been extremely difficult for many autistic people and their families and we’ve seen a significant increase in demand for our services and support, such as our Autism Advice Line. We hope this new campaign will be a success by bringing families together to take part in a fun challenge and help us to continue to raise funds for our much needed services and support.