John Howard

Quartet's Mountainous Challenge

Four brave individuals will take on one of Snowdon’s moonlight walks at the end of the month to help raise money for the National Autistic Society (NAS).

Ascending 970 metres and negotiating 9.2 miles, the quartet will tackle the mountain during the afternoon of 28 April over a seven-hour period.

The group of friends and colleagues planned a sponsored Snowdon Moonlight Walk during April, which is also Autism Awareness month.

Group leader, Lauren O’Dell, an employee of Mountwood Academy, a special needs school and on-site care home for young people with autistic spectrum conditions aged 8-19 years old, explained why they are doing this for NAS.

She said: “Around 700,000 people in the UK are on the autism spectrum. Together with their families, this means autism is a part of daily life for 2.8 million people.

“The National Autistic Society is the leading UK charity for autistic people and their families, it provides information, support and pioneering services, and campaign for a better world for autistic people.

“As many people know we work for a residential care home for children between the ages of 8-19 who suffer from a range of learning difficulties and autism so this is a charity close to our hearts.”

Recently rated as outstanding by Ofsted, Mountwood Academy aims nurture the young people through quality experiences to never stop learning and be the best they can be by ensuring that pupils receive the same learning and social opportunities as other children, which is achieved by providing facilities and a creative curriculum tailored to meet their needs.

With dedicated staff, a unique approach and purpose built facilities, Mountwood provides a supportive, safe and happy environment where all young people make progress regardless of ability level.

And dedication is certainly evident in Lauren and her team, who are willing to go the extra mile, and mountain, to raise awareness.

Donating to this fantastic cause couldn’t be easier, simply click here.