Rachel Johnson
Farnham mums- Sarah and Rachel
Fundraising for Disability Challengers
Story
Hello!
In early January, Rachel and Sarah decided to take on an Ultra Challenge…. to walk 100km along the Thames Path from Putney to Henley in just 2 days in September. This event is fondly known at the ‘foot shredder’ - oh great!
We have been training solidly since then, walking paths, hills, canals and dreaded sand. We’ve bought all the kit… poles, new boots, strange toe socks, lots of lycra, camelpak for water en route, gels, blister kits and painkillers. We’ve done a long 2-day back to back training walk too… 38km one day followed by 32km the next, during the heatwave, getting up at 5am! Wow the pain after those walks...
There was only one charity we wanted to do it for… Disability Challengers as we both have sons with special needs. Harley (11) was born a rare chromosomal disorder and Seb (17) has an undiagnosed syndrome.
We love our boys dearly but they are exhausting and full on - all day every day and night. Their learning difficulties, communication problems, personal care needs, sensory issues, autism… the list goes on, means they need constant adult supervision. And neither family has any respite. Challengers offers families like ours a much needed break.
Our sons happily go on a Saturday or after school for two hours. They have a great accessible playground, a kitchen where the children can bake cookies, indoor soft play, sensory room and art room. The older children can apply to go on a day trip to Legoland, the cinema, Marwell Zoo, bowling and pub lunches. The staff are wonderful! Caring, funny, accepting, experienced and happy to learn our sons' quirks. This acceptance is priceless.
It costs £180 to Challengers for a child to come for a whole day of play where they get the opportunity to try new activities, play, make friends and just be themselves.
Challengers supports around 1,400 disabled children like Harley and Seb and their families every year through their Pre-School, Play and Youth schemes across the South-East.
We are lucky to have a Challengers in Farnham.
Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.
Best wishes,
Rachel and Sarah
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