On 28th September-1st October, a team of people with learning disabilities and mental health needs from Active Prospects, a charitable care provider based in Surrey and Sussex walked the South Coast Challenge with staff and their support workers. They conquered 100km (61 miles) over four days, starting from Polegate, near Eastbourne, and finishing in Arundel.
Day 1, 28 Sept:
On the first day of the trek, the team started at Polegate Town Recreational Ground and walked 25km (15 miles) to Alfriston. This was one of the most elevated routes which proved difficult when tackling the Burling Gap and Seven Sisters. However, team determination and first day adrenaline got the team to the finish point.
Day 2, 29 Sept:
After waking up with sore legs on the second day of the trek, the team set off from Alfriston and walked a huge 32km (19 miles) to Hove Park. This was the flattest route however most definitely the longest and most enduring. What spurred the team on was knowing that the longest route had been completed and they were halfway to the finish line (and the buffet).
Day 3. 30 Sept:
On the third day of the trek, the team set off from Hove Park and walked 25km (15 miles) to Windlesham House School. At this stage sore feet and blisters started making an appearance and the team were incredibly tired. However, the finish line was in sight with only 18km (11 miles) to go! “Just keep walking, just keep walking” they all said.
Day 4. 1 Oct:
On the fourth and final day of the trek the team set off from Windlesham House School and walked 18km (11 miles) to St Mary’s Pub in Arundel. The team were thankful this was the shortest section of the route. The sun was shining throughout the day which gave the team determination to finish the challenge. Every team member got over the finish line and were greeted by friends and family and the end of the route. All were grateful for a well-deserved rest at St Mary’s Gate pub where a celebration could begin.
Matt has learning disabilities and took part in the challenge, he said.
“It was such a great, inclusive challenge to take part in, it was nice to be supported along the way with our support workers. The views were so scenic and and we can’t wait for the next challenge to push ourselves. Disability should never stand as a barrier for our goals!”
This challenge showed the whole organisation, friends, family, and onlookers what can be achieved if you all pull together. The team raised a whopping £10,836 inc. gift aid which will go towards funding wellbeing activities and specialist equipment.
A big thank you to everyone that sponsored the team as well as our corporate sponsors from Talos360, Panache, Sona, A1 Fire Protection Ltd and Smith & Byford Total Home Solutions.
If you never got the chance to sponsor the team you can by clicking here.
