Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page.

Jeremy has severe learning and physical disabilities. He lives with cerebral palsy, scoliosis (curving of the spine), epilepsy and reflux. In 2011, Jeremy left his family home for a Norwood home in North London. He is settled and happy among his new family of seven young adults with a range of learning and physical conditions.

While COVID ravaged around the globe, Norwood's homes suffered terribly. People supported by Norwood and the Norwood staff faced enormous physical and mental health challenges as a result of lockdowns. Relatives and friends could not visit their loved ones. The homes had to grapple with the intricacies of ever-changing legislation and safety policies, wearing protective gear and staff shortages. Their costs soared and their dependency on charitable donations has never been greater.

Yet throughout this awful period, Norwood's staff have dedicated themselves and remained cheerful. Whenever I visit Jeremy, I feel truly humbled by what they do for him and others. They do not get the recognition they deserve. So please donate generously to Norwood and help make their lives just a little easier.

In May 2022, I will walk 175 miles in 8 days along the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way, wild camping. I will carry my tent, clothes, food and essential gear on my back - about 12 or 13kg in total. The route starts in Milgavnie, a few miles north of Glasgow and follows the bank of Loch Lomond, on to Glencoe and Fort William. From there, I will pick up the Great Glen Way along Loch Ness into Inverness. I have no doubt that this is an arduous and ambitious target - 22 miles every day on average without any rest day.

I will post a detailed itinerary, kit list, photos and videos (data signal allowing!). Please join my Facebook page here to see the latest updates: https://www.facebook.com/laurence.smith.161214