Six Nations star helps autistic kids dream come true

England and Saracens stars Jamie George and Will Fraser handed out team shirts to a group of children with autism.
England hooker George, who is in the Six Nations squad, and flanker Fraser are helping put the kids from the Sarries RFC Foundation through their paces every week at Allianz Park.
The rugby players are also being helped by a team of student volunteers from Mill Hill School who give up their time on a Monday night to train youngsters with learning difficulties.
George, a regular in the England squad said that he and Fraser were delighted to be involved in the unique coaching programme which is sponsored by Hampstead car dealers Alan Day VW.
“I think the thing that both of us enjoy the most about coming down on a Monday night is just seeing how much enjoyment there is,” he said.
“It’s a pretty open space and an epic facility to have with the kids running around. They really get stuck in and we love being part of it and helping out where we can.”
The group, organised by Tomas Gamage, the Foundation Manager, are also often helped by another England and Saracens player Chris Ashton and the aim is to improve the youngsters health, mental wellbeing and to create greater opportunities in the community.
Fraser praised the VW sponsorship of the training nights. He said: “It’s great to have Alan Day involved in the programme- they are down here every week and the support they give is amazing. It really facilitates the lads and allows them to come out on a Monday night and have a really good time. So we are really pleased to be part of it, seeing how much enjoyment the guys have.”
Paul Tanner, managing director of Alan Day VW in Hampstead, said:  “Since we have been involved with the programme, I’ve seen the boys go from strength to strength. Even in the last year we have seen boys who were completely in their shell before and they have come out now and are involved and everything and they can’t wait to get down here every week.”