Story
We are Emily and Teresa (niece and aunt) and we are really close. My nickname for Teresa is "my sunshine" as I can't even begin to describe the ways in which she has changed my life for the better. I am so incredibly lucky to have her, and so is the rest of my family.
We often reflect on the fact we wouldn't be the tight family unit we are without her being the glue that holds us together. She has inspired me to be a better person, to be generous, caring and to embrace life to its fullest. The support she's had from Mencap has helped her have a rich and fulfilled life and I want others to continue to have the same support and opportunities.
Teresa is turning 60 this year and we really wanted to do something special. Seize the day so to speak. Something Teresa said she wanted to do before she was 60 was to climb Snowdon - and when Teresa wants to do something, we rally as a family to try and make it happen somehow.
When Teresa puts her mind to something, we have no doubt she will do itso, on the 28th August this year, well be trekking Mount Snowdon the highest mountain in England and Wales in aid of Mencap and Sunday Circle, two organisations that support and help to change society for people with a learning disability. All funds raised from the 1st June onwards will be split between Mencap and Sunday Circle.
Initially, we had planned to make the event a public challenge and invite other people with a learning disability to take part alongside families, friends and carers. But as facilities are currently closed at the summit of the mountain, we have decided that it is safer to move forward as a smaller group, while still ensuring that Teresa has everything she needs to take on this challenge and feel supported.
Teresa says: "I want to do it and make people proud of me. We're going to have other people doing it with us, with me and Emily up front. I would love it if the money that we raise is used to help people [with a learning disability] like me. I want people to achieve what I'm going to do in the summer, to make people feel proud of themselves too. For them to say "I can do this".
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