Support worker’s 10-mile walk raises over £1500 for learning disabled adults

EARLIER this month, Bedfordshire support worker Teresa Mead completed a 10-mile walk for learning disability charity Hft, achieving a personal goal and raising vital funds for learning disabled adults in the area.

Teresa, who works for Hft, set off on the challenge on Saturday morning and was joined by her husband Dave and good friends Yvonne Woods, Jane Johnson and Tracey Wallace. They walked around Grafham Waters in Huntingdon, finishing at a local pub to round off the 10 miles.

Despite facing a day of typical rainy British weather, the group powered through and put their eight weeks of training to good use, completing the 10 miles in just over three hours.

The decision to complete a challenge like this for Hft came about as a result of the group’s first-hand experience working in the social care sector.

Teresa explained:

“We have all worked in the social care sector at some point in our lives, or know someone who works in the sector. We know that it is not always an easy job so we wanted to do something to show our support to the people we support at Hft.”

So far, they have raised £1555 for Hft which will be donated to the charity’s Herald Resource Centre to support its sensory garden and fund equipment for gardening lessons so learning disabled adults can continue to grow vegetables all year round.

Teresa said:

“The centre has already made a fabulous start on their gardening, with potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, carrots, Cuca melons, herbs and cauliflower already on the go. I know the people we support will smile from ear to ear when they receive this additional money and will benefit enormously from our three hours of work.”

For Teresa, this was also a personal challenge following a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis 14 years ago.

Teresa explained:

“When I was diagnosed, I was told that in a couple of years, I would be using a walking stick, in five years I would be classified as disabled, and by the time I was 50 I would likely be in a wheelchair. Now look at me! I am walking 10 miles for a good cause to help others achieve the things that matter to them. I want to show that you can do things even if you’ve been told you can’t, just like I have.

“I would love to say a big thank you to everyone who has donated and supported us in any way. You’re all amazing, just like my friends and husband who joined me and gave up their time to support Hft.”

If you would like to fundraise for Hft, please visit its website.