Julie takes a stand on a plinth in Trafalgar Square

Sep 4 2009 by Lizzie Struthers, Irvine Herald

JULIE Langdale is to become a living statue in London to raise awareness about autism.

The 32-year-old, who has autism spectrum disorder, will stand on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square for an hour of fame.

Julie, of Irvine, will perform the stunt in aid of the National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland on Tuesday, September 15, at 11pm.

She was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome three months ago.

The former Irvine Royal Academy pupil said: “I always felt that I was weird or crazy because of the way I acted and thought about things.

“Getting that diagnosis was the single most cathartic moment in my life and I feel that more people need to step forward and say ‘I Exist’.

“People who live with ASD and autism go through so much every second of every day, and because it isn’t something you can instantly recognise, they are often misunderstood and discriminated against.”

She added: “The National Autistic Society is an amazing charity that fights every day for us and tries to get the world to understand what we go through.”

NAS staff will be handing out information and stickers about autism in Trafalgar Square as Julie stands on the plinth.

Julie, an office worker, is one of 2400 people who will stand on the plinth as part of sculptor Antony Gormley’s One and Another project.

To watch Julie standing live on the plinth, go to www.oneandother.co.uk

Julie hopes to raise £500 for the charity.

Anyone wanting to sponsor her, can visit www.justjustgiving.com/joolzoneandother