Trio take on 50km walking challenge for Prior’s Court autism charity

Three charity workers are taking on an epic fundraiser in aid of the autistic young people they support.

Hannah Macham, Emily McEwan and Lauren Kingham have collectively worked at Hermitage-based autism charity, Prior’s Court, for more than 20 years.

And they are tackling the 50km Race to the Stones challenge through the Oxfordshire countryside along the historic Ridgeway on Saturday, July 13.

Miss Macham and Miss Kingham, from Thatcham, and Miss McEwan, from Newbury, hope to raise £2,100 for Prior’s Court’s general funds appeal, which goes towards purchasing outdoor play equipment.

None of them have any experience of marathons or long-distance walking.

Miss Macham, an autism practitioner at Prior’s Court for nine years, said: “I am definitely nervous about the challenge, and get more nervous every time I look at how far 50km is on a map.

“I’m really glad I’m doing this with Emily and Lauren, so we can support and motivate each other through the tougher parts.

“I think we’ll be really proud once it’s done.

“I wanted to take on this challenge to push myself out of my comfort zone, and to raise money so that our students can have access to opportunities and facilities that will bring them a lot of joy and smiles. It’s the best part of our job getting to see that.”

Prior’s Court care manager, Miss McEwan, added: “The young people at Prior’s Court make me proud everyday with the progress they make and the things they achieve.

“I feel very lucky to be working with them.

“I wanted to do this challenge to raise some money for these incredible young people that we support.”

Miss Kingham, also an autism practitioner at the centre since 2016, said: “I’ve never done something like this before.

“There is a strong mix of feeling excited and nervous right now.

“But I know it will be an amazing feeling when we all walk across that finish line.

“I wanted to challenge myself while I’m young and fit enough to, and what a better opportunity than to help the amazing young people I work with.”

Visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/racetothestonesforpc-1713351550210 to donate to their shared fundraiser.