During the month of February, the team and I at Remote RADAR Head (RRH) Byron Heights, Falkland Islands, are aiming to complete "The Byron Beast Cardio Challenge" to raise funding for KTS Academy. This is a collective distance of 1000km on foot, bike or by rowing. In order to achieve this, each individual of our 7 person team, all members of the Armed Forces, will be required to cover just over 140km.

Founded in 1995, Kilton Thorpe School was an all-age special school in the heart of Cleveland. Kilton Thorpe School converted to an Academy in 2012 and became Kilton Thorpe Specialist Academy. Judged 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in 2019, they welcome pupils aged 4 to 19 with Education, Health and Care Plans which state a learning difficulty or disability. This can include children on the autistic spectrum and children with complex needs.

With my own son, Elijah, in attendance at the school, it is a cause which is very close to my heart. Elijah suffers with Cerebral Palsy, Global Developmental Delay, mild hearing loss and Craniosynostosis to name but a few. Since starting the academy in September 2020, his development has been amazing and this is down to the hard work of the staff and the facilities encompassed there.

With over 160 pupils and 100 teaching and support staff, KTS offers high levels of staffing to ensure that all pupils receive excellent care, guidance and support. A multi-disciplinary team, which includes specially trained staff in nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, work closely alongside the school staff to ensure that the pupils maximize potential.

In addition, they offer specialist resources, which include a hydrotherapy pool, soft play area, ICT suite, sensory integration rooms and sensory light rooms. All of which your donations can go towards supporting and enhancing.

Believe in yourself!