"Manchester is a family and this is one part of that family supporting another." Those are the words from Helen Boden, CEO at the I AM charity which provides support to local people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and their families, after Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo reached out to the charity with an incredible donation.
Ronaldo, 37, and speculation over his future continues to mount after he re-signed for United last summer. However, even if he does leave the club for a second time before this season kicks off, his connection to the club - and city - where it all began on a global scale will forever be etched into his and his family's legacy. READ MORE: United could miss two Ronaldo alternatives You only have to flick through his social media channels to see how important family life is to Ronaldo and Helen believes that stance played a key part in the five-time Ballon d'Or winner pledging to I AM and people supported by the charity.
Helen said: "It was very kind and generous of him to donate to us and we do really appreciate it. For us as an organisation, we very much have a family ethos and perhaps our cause resonated with him in terms of him being a man who places family at the centre of things." Headed up by Helen and a dedicated team, I AM support people diagnosed with ASC and their families; providing one-to-one sessions for members and non-members, including social and leisure activities, groups for parents and/or carers plus other fantastic services.
I AM was established in 1968 under a different name. It hosts several events each week such as gaming groups, lunches and youth clubs.