Kane's World Foundation started with one family and one simple wish — for a child to have somewhere to play as himself.

Our founder, Kelly Knight, watched her son Kane, a bright, sensory-seeking little boy who loves to climb, jump and feel the wind and rain, turned away or overwhelmed in play spaces built for neurotypical children. What her family was missing, she realised, hundreds of families across Darlington and the North East were missing too: not the occasional one-hour SEND session, not a long drive to the nearest sensory centre, but somewhere close to home, open to them, built for how their children actually play.

So we set out to build it — and we didn't wait for a building to begin. Today Kane's World runs a full calendar of SEND-friendly events across Darlington: regular swimming sessions, beach days and science mornings, cooking clubs, our Funday Festival, and free Cuppa and Cake mornings, and so much more, where parents find advice, support and one another. Families come through our doors every week, and every one of them tells us the same thing — we need somewhere permanent, close to home.

But there's still a long way to go. And this summer, we're walking every mile of it.

The nearest SEND-friendly play centre to Darlington is 16.5 miles away, in Northallerton. For a family here that's a 33-mile round trip — a long journey before the fun starts, and a longer one home when it all gets too much. Around 18.4% of children in the North East have SEND. Nearly one in five children, and nowhere close to home built for them.

Our founder, Kelly Knight, and her eight-year-old daughter Evelyn, joined by parents and professionals, are walking all 16.5 miles from Darlington to Northallerton — the exact journey our SEND families make for an hour of sensory-safe play.

Every pound raised goes towards Kane's World: a sensory-safe play and support centre in Darlington, with soft light, quiet corners, changing places and staff who understand. Somewhere our children can be themselves, close to home.

Sponsor us, walk with us, or share our campaign. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support.