WHEN internet whizkid Jon Davies was invited to set up yet another new website he had no idea he was about to undertake a project so dear and personal to his heart it would set him on an emotional rollercoaster.

The 25-year-old was asked to set up and design a website for a major local fund-raising campaign, the Domino Appeal.

But what Jon didn't know was that the Domino Appeal was to raise the last £1.2 million needed for a new Portfield School for children with autism - the very same school his older brother Richard had attended more than a decade ago in its current Christchurch building.

And as soon as he heard the full story behind the appeal, backed by the Daily Echo, he immediately offered his services free.

The entrepreneur from New Milton recalled: "My marketing manager knew Mike Denny, the fund-raising manager of the appeal, and she heard that they needed someone to set up a website.

"So I was taken to meet Mike and as soon as I heard what the appeal was for I just knew I had to do it.

"My brother, who is autistic, went to Portfield when he was a teenager for a couple of years and he benefited so much from it.

"I was too young to understand at the time but I can see clearly now what the school offered him.

"Getting involved in the appeal has been a very emotional time for me. At that initial meeting with Mike I was quite taken aback by how it affected me.

"We are going to try very hard and do all we can for the appeal."

Jon's company, Atelnet, has agreed to give up thousands of pounds worth of income to sponsor the website free of charge for a year.

And this is not the first time that Jon has got behind a very worthwhile cyber project.

Last year the former Highcliffe School and Brockenhurst College student launched the world's first ever website dedicated to the needs of dyslexia sufferers.

In its first week the Domino Appeal website - which includes up-to-date information on fund-raising events, the project and a message board - has already enjoyed more than 100 hits.

And two people who are certain to be number one fans of the website are Jon's proud parents, John and Christine.

The couple, from Brockenhurst, were at the official launch of the Domino Appeal to create the UK's first purpose-built school for children with autism, in West Parley.

"Unfortunately Richard was unable to attend but my mum and dad were there.

"Yes, they are very proud of me but I've been so busy setting up the site I haven't had a real chance to talk to them about it," Jon explained.

"This is most definitely a labour of love for me and I am very happy to do it. I will lovingly do it all for nothing and back it to the hilt."

If you would like to find out more about the Domino Appeal call 01202 483360 or visit Jon's website at (www.thedominoappeal.com).