This Christmas I was hugely inspired by witnessing a very kind and thoughtful act by my 12 year old niece Lylie-Lou.

Lylie-Lou was diagnosed with autism back in 2015. Her autism delays her development and causes extreme hyperactivity and anxiety through overwhelm which makes simple day to day life very challenging for her.

So when I witnessed this act of genuine thoughtfulness and kindness, along with how well she now communicates and learns it made me realise just how much potential she has for the future and how far she has come from when she was first diagnosed with autism and how much that development is down to the wonderful work her school has done with her.

Lylie-Lou goes to Glenwood School in Benfleet.

Glenwood School is a community special school, which cater for young learners with sereve, profound and multiple learning difficulties aged between 3-19 years old.

They help young learners with a range of needs from autism spectrum disorder to young learners with complex physical and sensory impairments.

They offer a range of specialist sensory spaces such as soft play, light rooms, hydro swimming pools, horticultural areas. They also provide specialist therapies such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy.

At Glenwood they give every young learner a chance to excel and give them the opportunity to go offsite into the community and visit places such as gymnasiums, go horse riding, have lunch outings, go on shopping trips, visit swimming pools and much more.

The development that I have witnessed in my niece has been so profound that I couldn’t be more grateful and inspired so I’ve set myself a goal to raise as much money as I can for Glenwood school by setting up a charity event that challenges me to run 2 marathons, in 2 consecutive days across the scorching desert of Jordan in April.

Donations made for this charity event will help Glenwood school continue with the help and opportunities they give to all the young learners, their families and beyond. With the money raised they will be able to provide learners with new equipment and extend the care and needs to everyone.

If this is something you would like to donate to then I would be incredibly grateful and you will be contributing to such an amazing school that are helping children like my niece grow into their potential.

Also please feel free to spread the word and share this link to whoever you think would be interested in supporting this cause.

Thank you 🙂🙏