2018-08-01 12:21:49

Two sisters from Hampshire will be putting their best feet forward to raise money for Hft.

Emily Chandler, 21, and Lucy Chandler, 18, are hard at work training for the Wye Valley Challenge, a scenic 45km walk stretching all the way from Ross-on-Wye to Hereford taking place this August.

Emily and Lucy plan to donate all funds raised to Hft in memory of their great uncle, John Watkins. John was one of the first people to be supported by Hft at the charity’s first service. He spent most of his life at Frocester Manor in Gloucestershire which was established in 1962 by a group of families seeking better opportunities for people with learning disabilities once they reach adulthood.

Lucy said: “For the duration of John’s time at Frocester Manor, Hft helped and supported him and his family and enabled him to live a rich, happy and fulfilling life, so we would like to raise money to help offer the same opportunities to other people.”

“John loved the fetes, steam rallies, and working in the craft shop and the kitchens. He liked helping with the Christmas productions that they used to put on for the parents and enjoyed going on the holidays. He also had fun helping with riding for the disabled.”

Emily added: “Our great uncle would have loved following our progress on the walk and would definitely have been at the starting line to see us off.”

Emily has just graduated from the University of Southampton and Lucy is currently studying at Imperial College London. To prepare for the Wye Valley Challenge, they have been horse riding and running to increase their fitness levels, as well as taking part in longer training walks. 

Already close to their target of £550, Emily and Lucy have also been busy fundraising. They’ve promoted their trek on social media and have even held a Lent Lunch at John’s family parish.

All the money raised from the walk will be donated to Hft which offers person-centred learning disability services ranging from supported living to residential care – from a few hours a week to 24 hours a day. Hft also helps people with learning disabilities to take part in daily activities, make friends and develop relationships and to find work.

Katie Tennyson, Hft’s Senior Individual Giving and Legacy Manager, said: “We are delighted that Emily and Lucy have chosen to take part in the Wye Valley Challenge for Hft. It’s a lovely tribute to their uncle and all the money raised will help Hft to continue to support people with learning disabilities to live the best life possible.”

To donate, please visit Emily and Lucy’s fundraising page.

Notes to editors

For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk

About Hft

Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.

Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.

In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.

Learning disability versus difficulty

A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.

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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk