Melanie Sykes serves ice-cream for autism... and emulates the ad that launched her career

The last time we saw Melanie Sykes in an ice-cream van she was serving up frothy beer in a British ad.
This time round the 43-year-old TV presenter had a far more worthy reason in mind when she pulled up at Xscape Braehead in Glasgow on Thursday.
Indeed, Melanie’s appearance in the Scottish city was part of her charity drive from John O’Groats to Lands’ End on behalf of the International Pre-Autistic Network (IPAN). 

Don't mind if I do: Melanie Sykes arrives in Glasgow as part of her fund-raising trek for the International Pr-Autistic Network

Mel actively sought to help raise awareness of the condition after son Valentino was diagnosed with autism when he was 2-years old.
Shortly after his diagnosis the former Big Breakfast presenter took him to the Parent Infant Clinic – where his condition drastically improved.
Speaking in June, she said: ‘Things rapidly improved, definitely through their therapeutic means. It really helped him to communicate.’ 

Feeling flaky: The TV presenter has been serving up Mr. Whippy ice-creams during her fund-raising trip from John O'Groats to Land's End

All for a good cause: Melanie Sykes and Vikki Flynn are traveling the length of the UK to raise awareness of pre-autism 

Bit of a handful: Melanie prepares for action after arriving in Glasgow on Thursday

Accompanied by close friend Vikki Flynn, the former Big Breakfast presenter is now raising funds for the organisation, which helps raise money so diagnosed children can receive treatment at the Parent Infant Clinic for free.
Dressed in a ‘Mel’s Ice Cream for Autism’ T-Shirt, she was in high spirits as she served up Mr. Whippy ice-creams with Vikki – who also has an autistic child – from the back of the van.
Mel later retweeted a string of posts from those in attendance, including Britain’s Got Talent contestant Edward Read, who tweeted: ‘Great meeting you girls. Have fun on tour. What happens in and ice cream van stays I an ice cream van. Ex’ 

Fancy a treat? Melanie will be serving up ice creams at the Trafford Centre in Manchester on Friday

Next stop for Melanie and Vikki will be the Trafford Centre in Manchester on Friday, where they will be serving up ice-creams from three until six in the afternoon.
The TV presenter opened up about her son’s condition after taking part in a celebrity version of game show The Cube, during which she won £50,000 for IPAN. 
She said: ‘When I first found out, I just felt completely in the dark. It wasn’t something I knew anything about.’

Previously: Melanie was serving up something a little different in this mid-90's Boddingtons ad

No ice ream here: Melanie Sykes' career was launched following her appearance in this commercial for Boddingtons