Team members bounce into inflatable fundraising challenge

Published by Prior's Court School on Thursday 21st of November 2024

A brave group of Prior’s Court staff members took on an inflatable 5k challenge to raise money for the autistic young people with complex needs they support.

Seven current staff members, one of whom recently completed her placement at Prior’s Court, and two sons of Prior’s Court staff members, took on the inflatable challenge held at Newbury Racecourse on Saturday, 28 September. The challenge offered between 2.5km and 15km lengths with 16 obstacles per lap to overcome.

Staff members Aoife Garvey, Emma Barnes, Louise Powell, Maria Benito Rozalen, Maria Louro, Marta Sobocinska, and Georgia Ryles all successfully took part, and between them have so far raised £584, surpassing their original target of £500.

The money that they have raised will be going towards purchasing new sensory and functional equipment for the young people supported by Prior’s Court to provide enrichment and sensory stimulation for them.

Marta, who is a Physiotherapist at Prior's Court, said:

“Thank you everyone for your donations and support! We challenged ourselves, had a fun day and kept the young people in our hearts and minds throughout. We can’t wait to see the young people enjoy and benefit from the equipment we can purchase soon.”

Emma, our Head of Therapy and Positive Behaviour Support, added: "The team did so well, and although it was tough in places, knowing we were doing it for the young people was fantastic motivation. We ranged from walking to jogging, but we all had fun and we managed to make it back to work and fit for Monday!

"A huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far, and it is thanks to your generosity that we have surpassed our original target. We are still fundraising to make sure we can give the young people the best possible equipment."

Elsewhere, the son of one of our Team Managers in one of our residential homes Wendy is also taking on the 5k offer in the inflatable challenge.

Wendy was unable to take part on the day so her son stepped in.

Wendy was raising funds for the Performing Arts Centre appeal. The Prior’s Court’s Performing Arts Centre will feature adapted facilities to support autistic young people with complex needs to access opportunities in music, dance and drama and the life-enriching benefits this provides.

Wendy has already smashed her £100 fundraising target, having bagged a huge amount of donations by selling cakes at our Let Me Shine music festival in May.