Support Archie’s “HeatWave” Artwork & Help Make His Dream Come True.
We're raising £25,000 to help fund Archie's summer assessment and a one year programme at Resilient Roots in Portugal, including the 1:1 support he needs to access it safely.
Archie's Story
Archie is a loving, affectionate, deeply physical and incredibly brave little boy who lost the ability to speak following a major autistic regression at the age of 3½.
Although he is non-verbal, Archie understands far more than many people initially realise. He experiences the world intensely and faces daily challenges with regulation, communication and sensory overwhelm, which can sometimes lead to self-injurious behaviour.
He experiences the world intensely — with a bravery that takes our breath away every single day.
Over the years, we have tried extensively to support Archie through therapies, specialist input and lifestyle changes, while caring for him full-time as a family.
We recently discovered Resilient Roots in Portugal — an intensive autism programme focused on communication, regulation, neural plasticity and relationship-based support.
After hearing detailed and incredibly insightful feedback following an initial evaluation, we believe this could offer Archie an opportunity we have struggled to find elsewhere: an environment focused not just on managing symptoms, but on helping support neurological rewiring, communication and long-term development.
Why Resilient Roots
Over the years, Archie has received support from dedicated professionals, but we have come to realise that he needs something fundamentally different from a traditional special school placement.
After years of searching, we discovered Resilient Roots in Portugal, founded by two American practitioners trained at Jacob's Ladder in the USA. Their approach begins by understanding each child's unique neurological profile before building an individual programme around communication, regulation, movement, relationships and whole-child development.
Before offering Archie a place, the team spent an hour working directly with him, followed by a detailed consultation with us. In that short time, they gave us insights into Archie that resonated deeply with our experience as his parents and, for the first time in a long while, gave us genuine hope.
We have been unable to find this combination of personalised support, specialist expertise and therapeutic environment here in the UK.
There is also a medical reason why Portugal matters. Over the past four years, Archie has been hospitalised more than five times with full-body seizures, some triggered by the cold. A warmer climate, daily access to the ocean and the opportunity to surf are not simply lifestyle choices — they play an important role in helping Archie stay physically regulated and emotionally settled.
For our family, this isn't about moving abroad. It's about giving Archie access to an opportunity we simply haven't been able to find at home.
Every donation takes Archie one step closer
Your support goes directly towards Archie's assessment, programme and the 1:1 support he needs. Donate safely below through the official GoFundMe widget.
More Than a Hobby
Being close to the ocean and surf is absolutely vital for Archie's regulation and wellbeing. For most children, surfing might be a fun activity. For Archie, it is something far deeper.
Surfing isn't simply a hobby for Archie — it's one of the few things that consistently helps him regulate, physically and emotionally.
Time in the sea is one of the rare experiences that reliably helps him feel calm, connected and able to function more successfully in daily life. The rhythm of the water, the physical engagement and the sensory experience all combine to give him a sense of regulation that is difficult to find anywhere else. This is exactly why a coastal environment in Portugal is so central to Archie's programme.
Archie with his Dad
Where Your Support Goes
Every contribution goes directly towards Archie's assessment and first school-year programme at Resilient Roots, plus the 1:1 support he needs to take part safely.
Donations
Archie's Specialist Programme
Donations are prioritised towards Archie's specialist programme at Resilient Roots, together with the essential 1:1 support required for him to access it safely.
HeatWave Collection
Wider Care & Support
Proceeds from the HeatWave collection help fund the wider costs associated with Archie's programme, including surf therapy, travel and other essential care and support that enable him to participate fully.
Fundraising target
£25,000
Every purchase and every donation brings Archie one step closer to the environment and specialist support we believe will give him the best opportunity to thrive.
HeatWave
An original, surf-inspired collection by Archie and Philly, his Mum.
Many of these paintings were born from the countless evenings when Archie longed to be in the sea. On more than one occasion, we've found him standing in the pouring rain beside his beloved surfboard, hoping to go surfing. Rather than fighting those moments, Philly began turning them into something creative.
Archie loves the sensory experience of painting and printing. Many of the bold brushstrokes are his, and he helped create the distinctive mono-prints that make each piece beautifully unpredictable. Just as no two waves are ever the same, every painting in the HeatWave collection is completely unique.
Every original painting and limited edition print purchased helps fund the wider costs of Archie's programme, including travel, accommodation and the specialist support he needs at Resilient Roots.
Into the Blue
Original painting with print on heavyweight cartridge paper. 23" × 17"
Prints still available — limited to 10.
Tunnel Vision
Original painting with print on heavyweight cartridge paper. 23" × 17"
Prints still available — limited to 10.
Synchronicity
Original painting with print on heavyweight cartridge paper. 23" × 17"
Limited to 10 prints.
Euphoria
Original painting with print on heavyweight cartridge paper. 23" × 17"
Limited to 10 prints.
Holding on
Original painting with print on heavyweight cartridge paper. 23" × 17"
Limited to 10 prints.
Blue Circle
Original painting with print on heavyweight cartridge paper. 23" × 17"
Limited to 10 prints.
Drop down
Original painting with print on heavyweight cartridge paper. 23" × 17"
Limited to 10 prints.
Blue vortex
Original painting with print on heavyweight cartridge paper. 23" × 17"
Prints still available — limited to 10.
Blue abandon
Original painting with print on heavyweight cartridge paper. 23" × 17"
Prints still available — limited to 10.
Tripping the light
Original painting with print on heavyweight cartridge paper. 23" × 17"
Limited to 10 prints.
Surf Mural #1
Painting & print on canvas · 88" × 21"
Sold
Surf Mural #2
Painting & print on canvas · 79" × 21"
Sold
Support Archie's Journey
There are three simple ways to make a difference for Archie. Every donation, every print purchased and every share brings him one step closer to the support he needs.
Enquire About This Piece
Artwork: —
Scan to share Archie's page