THE chief executive of a specialist autism charity has announced she is stepping down in April next year.

Judith Haysmore has been chief executive at Daisy Chain since 2013 and involved with the charity since it was established in 2003 as one of the first members of staff.

She said: “After much deliberation I have decided that the time is now right for me to step down. I have been very privileged to have seen Daisy Chain grow from one woman’s vision to now helping more than 1,700 families affected by autism.

“At some point I have been involved in every role within Daisy Chain but my proudest moment is watching the remarkable journey of one of the young people we have supported, who wowed the audience at our Winter Ball with his musical talent and heartfelt speech.”

Edwin Pugh, chairman of trustees said: “Judith has been instrumental to the success of the charity and we are so grateful to all the hard work and dedication that Judith has put in to making Daisy Chain what it is today.”