AN inspiring Barnsley couple are asking for the public’s help after receiving a grant to create a sanctuary and sensory garden for autistic children.

Michael and Paul Atwal-Brice are avid fundraisers for several charities and have won a number of awards.

They have two sets of twins - Levi and Lucas, and Lotan and Lanson.

Levi and Lucas both have severe autism, developmental delay, severe learning difficulties, are pre-verba, and can require round-the-clock care and supervision.

They are also severely epileptic and have been hospitalised throughout their lives due to seizures.

Michael and Paul have acquired a piece of land on the allotments at Togo Street, Thurnscoe, and are now hoping to turn the site into a sensory garden for autistic children.

They have already, with the help of locals, managed to clear up the site - but are asking for the public’s help to ensure the scheme can thrive.

Michael told the Chronicle: “We’ve managed to move away the fly-tipping that was on the site and we’ve been given a £5,000 grant for the log cabin which will be there.

“We’re now looking for some volunteers, local businesses, builders and companies who will be able to help us with some accessible paving.

“We want to make sure that the site is wheelchair accessible.

“We’ve been doing some fundraisers - it’s Levi and Lucas’ 18th birthday next month so we’re tying it in with that.

“We’ve managed to raise £1,300 but we’re going to need to raise more.”

The pair’s exploits have not gone unnoticed, with the project recently being nominated for an accolade in the National Diversity Awards.