Sponsored Editorial

Aspens Charities has launched a virtual Journey Challenge fundraiser, Go the Extra Mile for Learning Disability Week.

The social care charity is appealing for participants to go the extra mile for people with autism, learning disabilities and associated needs that it supports, by completing a 13.1 mile challenge which follows the Royal Parks Half Marathon route.

Entrants can choose to complete the route throughout Learning Disability Week - that runs from June 21 to 27 - however they like, whether it’s walking, running, swimming or cycling, and can form a team or go the distance on their own.

The registration fee includes an Aspens T-shirt, certificate on completion of the route and an integrated dynamic map which will track progress as the journey is carried out.

Entrants, their team-mates and supporters will all be able to view their progress on a virtual map and encouraging video messages from the people Aspens supports will be sent to participants at every milestone.

Aspens operates across south England, including offices in Cornford Lane, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, Battle and Littlehampton.

The charity provides a wide range of services such as round-the-clock residential care, supported living, an advice helpline and specialist support for families.

People with autism and learning disabilities have been particularly impacted by the pandemic and a recent study found nine in 10 autistic people worried about their mental health during lockdown and 85% said their anxiety levels got worse.

The charity’s CEO Robbie Shanahan said: “Our services are needed now more than ever and we’re hoping the public can get behind this exciting event and support us.

"It’s a great chance for people to embrace getting active as we ease out of lockdown and set themselves a challenge.

"At the same time as getting fit and enjoying the great outdoors, you’ll be helping us to continue providing our much-needed services, which really do provide a desperately needed lifeline to so many children, teens and adults with autism and learning disabilities.

"We hope you can sign up and go the extra mile for the amazing people we support!”

Registration for Go the Extra Mile is £10 per person. To sign up to the event follow this link aspens.enthuse.com