Former Lord-Lieutenant joins autism charity as patron

Dame Sue Snowdon retired as Lord Lieutenant earlier this year after becoming the first woman to be appointed into the role in 2013 when she succeeded Sir Paul Nicholson.

In her first public appointment since stepping down from the Lieutenancy, Sue has agreed to become a patron of the North East Autism Society (NEAS).

“The North East Autism Society is a charity I came to admire greatly during my time as Lord-Lieutenant, and I am deeply honoured to become a patron,” she said.

Sue said her background in education, as a teacher and interim headteacher, had been influential in her wanting to be part of NEAS.

“Autism wasn’t recognised back then, and there were no support systems in place, but I used to tell my staff that every child is different, with different needs to reach their full potential.

“That’s what I see at NEAS – the encouragement and consistent support for every individual to be given the opportunities to help them to thrive. What is also hugely important and impressive is the additional support given to families.”

As well as serving as Lord-Lieutenant, Sue was appointed as a magistrate in 1990 and worked tirelessly for many charities, including cancer research and local hospices.

She was also a founder member of the Bishop Auckland Town Centre Forum, formed in 2003 to co-ordinate the regeneration of the town.

She was made a Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order by King Charles last year, in recognition of her service to the monarchy.

She joins a team of NEAS patrons, comprising international artist Mackenzie Thorpe, television presenter Pam Royle, journalist Peter Barron, and Teesside business leader, Bob Cuffe, whose autistic son, Liam, is in residential care with the charity.

NEAS chief executive, Paul McGinnety, said: “We are thrilled that someone with Dame Sue’s vast experience and local connections has agreed to join our team of patrons. To have her support, alongside Mackenzie, Pam, Peter and Bob, is invaluable.”