Couple who campaign for autistic football fans are given MBEs

Peter and Kate Shippey, both 44, have successfully lobbied over 30 UK football clubs to install sensory viewing rooms, where autism sufferers who experience difficulty with noise can enjoy games.

The Doxford Park couple have three sons who have each been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder; Nathan 12, Owen eight and Callum seven. Peter and Kate are full-time carers for the boys.

The story started in 2014 when they successfully lobbied Sunderland AFC with a petition to install a room, after football-mad Nathan had difficulties at the match. The room opened in August 2015.

This led to the Shippey Campaign, which has led to other football clubs, including Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Everton, Liverpool, Celtic and Arsenal adopting the idea. The campaign has also influenced similar developments in Australia, Japan, Qatar and in NFL stadiums in the USA.

Peter, who used to be a press officer at SAFC, said: “We were both pretty stunned to get the award. We’re humbled. It’s been a big team effort and we’d like to thank everyone who has helped us, not least Sunderland AFC for supporting our idea.

“Thanks too to all the clubs who supported us. The latest room is the one at Manchester City. It’s been unbelievable. Five years ago none of this existed.

“Kate’s dad always said that everyone should have the same chance. That applies to football fans.”

Kate said: “I think I experienced every single emotion at Buckingham Palace. You never imagine you’ll be in that situation. I was very nervous but also very proud and humbled.

“We were chatting with Prince William about sensory rooms and about Sunderland being the first to have one. His team, Aston Villa, has one too now.

“He also told us about what his mental health charity, Heads Together, is doing in football.

“He was very calming and made us feel a lot less nervous. He’s a really nice man.”

For more information, visit www.theshippeycampaign.com.