I have had the pleasure of getting to know Caroline Hunte and the fantastic, meaningful and often life changing work that Circles Network do through a regular networking group over the past year.

The mission and vision of Circles Network is simple:

“Our mission is to support disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages in transformational and empowering ways to live fulfilling and inclusive lives.

Our vision is to create inclusive communities where all lives are valued.”

With community hubs in Rugby, Peterborough and Crawley and Scotland, Circles Network are positively impacting the lives of thousands of individuals and families across the UK.

The following is a real life story about some of the life changing work that Caroline and the team at Circles Network do on a daily basis:

At just 16 years old, Emily had already spent four years in hospital. She had been battling anorexia, a condition that had brought her to the brink of death more than once. Though she was autistic, it wasn’t her neurodiversity that kept her in hospital, it was the profound complexity of her illness, and the heartbreaking fear that without the right support, she wouldn’t survive to return home.

Twice, she had tried to return home. Twice, it had failed.

That’s when we were asked to help.

We listened. To Emily. To her loving but exhausted family. To the health professionals who cared deeply, but didn’t know what else to try. What Emily needed was simple in concept but rare in practice: one person she could trust, who would walk with her from hospital, back home, and into life again.

So together with Emily, her family, and her sister (who even helped interview candidates!) we created a role tailored to her needs. Someone with empathy, patience, and resilience. Someone kind.

We found Lucy.

Lucy didn’t just do the job. She became the bridge. She met Emily in hospital, far from home, and didn’t rush. She learned Emily’s language not just her words, but her world: her love of nature, her gift for art. Over time, trust blossomed. Emily began to share her hopes and her fears, and Lucy stood by her, not pushing, but gently guiding.

When Emily was frightened, Lucy reassured her. When her family felt helpless, Lucy was their anchor. When professionals needed insight, Lucy advocated for Emily’s voice to be heard.

After months of gradual steps, Emily finally came home. And Lucy came with her.

She worked tirelessly to build the right support network around Emily, even helping her find a private dietitian whose personality clicked. She visited colleges, found one that could adapt to Emily’s needs, and accompanied her day after day until Emily felt brave enough to go it alone.

There were setbacks. Tragedy struck when a friend from hospital passed away. Lucy was there then too, holding space for Emily’s grief, helping her find the strength to carry on.

And carry on she did.

Emily not only returned to education she excelled. She passed her A Levels with flying colours and received an offer from Oxford University. Today, she’s in her second year, thriving, and still speaks to Lucy every week

This is what your support makes possible.

Our charity doesn’t offer quick fixes. We offer relationships. We offer people like Lucy, who believe that every young person deserves a chance to not just survive but to live.

Emily’s story is extraordinary. But there are more young people like her, waiting for someone to believe in them.

(Emily and Lucy’s names have been changed to protect their privacy)

I am proud to be running the Great North Run on 7th September 2025 for Circles Network and will be experiencing the famous Great North Run environment and community for every person out there that does not get the opportunities to experience the feeling of community and inclusion.

Please help me to support such an amazing cause.

Thanks! Rob