2018-10-30 12:26:08
Two Hft staff members raised over £500 for the charity at the Stroud Half Marathon on 21 October.
Saskia Bax-Pratt and Clare Mills are both Administrative Assistants in Hft Gloucestershire. Joining 1,700 other runners on the day, Clare finished the 13.1 mile Stroud Half Marathon in just under two hours, with Saskia joining her half an hour later. The women enjoyed some welcome support and encouragement from other Hft staff and even some people supported by the charity.
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All the money raised will go towards the conversion of a bathroom into a shared space for residents with learning disabilities, who plan to use the room to share meals, socialise and enjoy communal activities.
Delighted to have completed the challenge, Clare said:
“We’re so proud to have completed the Stroud Half Marathon. It was a hot and bright day so the conditions were tough in places. It was all worth it when we passed some of our supported living houses and saw support workers and people we support cheering us on. The atmosphere was absolutely brilliant and we’re now looking forward to seeing the much-needed communal space come to life.”
The charity workers braved the elements during their pre-marathon training, running throughout the exceptionally warm summer, and battling wind and rain during the last few weeks. They have also been busy fundraising, sending out emails to staff, families and local businesses, of which one generously donated £100.
Charlotte Rue, Hft’s Sporting and Challenge Events Manager, said:
“Our staff are absolutely integral to the work we do, and it’s amazing to see staff members like Clare and Saskia going above and beyond to raise money for the adults with learning disabilities supported in their workplace.
“Completing a challenge like the Stroud Half Marathon is a great way to raise money for Hft and means we’re able to support people with learning disabilities to live the best life possible.”
Hft currently supports more than 2,500 people with learning disabilities across the country. This includes supporting people with learning disabilities to live independently in their own homes, providing employment services to help people develop skills and experience for work and helping people to pursue hobbies, make new friends and get involved in their local communities.
To make a donation, please visit Saskia and Clare’s fundraising page.
If you have an idea for a fundraising activity you might like to take on, please email hello@hft.org.uk or complete our Contact us form for more info on how we can support you.
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
Location: Hft Gloucestershire
