On the 20th March, I am going to be setting off on a 100 mile walk through the Scottish Highlands.  I'll be walking with 5 friends and we're hoping to complete the trek in 5 days, but it's going to be a challenge!  We're expecting it to be very tough, having previously done a 90 mile walk on flat land, but we are determined to complete the walk and finish together no matter what.  I'll be carrying a 30-40kg pack with all my camping gear and kit, and burning approximately an extra 3000kcal a day! 
 
Having spent nearly four years as a residential support worker at Prior's Court School, I have first hand experience of the excellent work they do, which is why I'm so passionate about raising money for them.  I really enjoyed working there with the children and loved being able to see the continual progress they make.  It's brilliant to see the changes in them, and it really gave me a great sense of achievement.
 
I'm walking to raise money  to support the creation of a sensory garden.  This  is vital as many people with autism experience sensory difficulties, where one or all of their senses are intensified or not present at all. This is known as hyper (high) and hypo (low) sensitivity and can affect any of the senses; balance, body awareness, smell, sight, hearing, touch and taste.  Examples of behaviours seen in children with autism who are reacting to sensory stimuli include bumping into people or objects due to a low level of body awareness, a dislike of having anything on the hands or feet due to a high sensitivity to touch and eating everything, including soil and grass due to a low sensitivity to taste.  A sensory garden will provide a therapeutic and relaxing area to explore and experience different senses using plants, water, lights and so on.  I also know that many of the children love being outside in the fresh air and I really think a sensory garden will benefit them, which is why I have chosen to walk for this purpose.
 
Thank you for all your support.
 
Elliot