FOR the third year in a row, 15 young autistic people with complex needs from West Berkshire autism charity Prior’s Court took on challenge events at a festival of inclusivity in Windsor Great Park.
15 young autistic people with complex needs supported by Prior’s Court, a residential special school in Berkshire, attended this year’s Parallel Windsor, which took place in Windsor Great Park recently.
But for the first time this year, young people from Prior’s Court completed the 10k challenge at the event – all previous participants completed the 5k.
Young people Anton, Daniel E, Imprahim, James, Joe, Louis S, Lyla, Oliver, Ryan, and Toby all tackled the 5k run, successfully completing it despite thunderstorms and severe downpours. Meanwhile, young people William, Peter, Amar, Brandon, and Alfie all completed the 10k challenge, making a little slice of Prior’s Court history.
The young people aged 11 to 25 were sponsored to take part in the challenge in aid of Prior’s Court’s Fun & Recreation appeal which enables autistic young people complex needs at Prior’s Court to enjoy and access the same experiences as others their age such as summer fairgrounds, fireworks displays and Santa’s grotto.
Parallel Windsor provides an opportunity for the young people supported by Prior’s Court to raise money for their own facilities and experiences, something they otherwise may not be able to do.
Chris McQuilkin, Prior’s Court’s Healthiness Learning Facilitator, said:
“All of the young people absolutely smashed it, and an extra huge congratulations to those who took on the 10k. That is a distance not many of them have done before so the fact they all completed it is amazing. Those who did the 5k also did an amazing job and we are very proud of all of them.”
Natalie Norris, Prior’s Court’s Fundraising Manager, said:
“Parallel Windsor is a double win for the young people we support. It’s a fun community event, and it lets them contribute to fundraising for new facilities that will directly benefit them. This event is a chance for young people from all backgrounds to show support for the charities that enrich their lives. By participating, young people from Prior’s Court get the same chance to give back to their community.”
