2023-08-10 09:19:45
Support worker’s 10-mile walk raises over £1500 for learning disabled adults
On Saturday (5 August), Bedfordshire support worker Teresa Mead completed a 10-mile walk for learning disability charity Hft, achieving a personal goal and raising vital funds for learning disabled adults in the area.

Teresa, who works for Hft, set off on the challenge on Saturday morning and was joined by her husband Dave and good friends Yvonne Woods, Jane Johnson and Tracey Wallace. They walked around Grafham Waters in Huntingdon, finishing at a local pub to round off the 10 miles.

Despite facing a day of typical rainy British weather, the group powered through and put their eight weeks of training to good use, completing the 10 miles in just over three hours.

The decision to complete a challenge like this for Hft came about as a result of the group’s first-hand experience working in the social care sector.
Teresa explains, “We have all worked in the social care sector at some point in our lives, or know someone who works in the sector. We know that it is not always an easy job so we wanted to do something to show our support to the people we support at Hft.”
So far, they have raised £1555 for Hft which will be donated to the charity’s Herald Resource Centre to support its sensory garden and fund equipment for gardening lessons so learning disabled adults can continue to grow vegetables all year round.
“The centre has already made a fabulous start on their gardening, with potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, carrots, Cuca melons, herbs and cauliflower already on the go,” says Teresa. “I know the people we support will smile from ear to ear when they receive this additional money and will benefit enormously from our three hours of work.”

For Teresa, this was also a personal challenge following a diagnosis with Rheumatoid Arthritis 14 years ago.
“When I was diagnosed, I was told that in a couple of years I would be using a walking stick, in five yeas I would be classified as disabled, and by the time I was 50 I would likely be in a wheelchair,” Teresa explains. “Now look at me! I am walking 10 miles for a good cause to help others achieve the things that matter to them. I want to show that you can do things even if you’ve been told you can’t, just like I have.
“I would love to say a big thank you to everyone who has donated and supported us in any way. You’re all amazing, just like my friends and husband who joined me and gave up their time to support Hft.”
Emma Macdonald, Hft’s Community Fundraising Manager, adds:
“We’re delighted that Teresa and the team went the extra mile to take on this challenge, despite the awful weather. Their efforts will make a huge difference to the lives of learning disabled adults supported in Bedfordshire and we couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved together.”
If you would like to fundraise for Hft, please visit its website.
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