Man Steps Up To Raise Funds For His Learning Disability Service

A man with learning disabilities from Bradford has walked 240,000 steps in a month to raise over £600 towards new sports equipment and other resources for the charity which supports him.

Adil attends the national learning disability charity Hft’s day opportunities service, The Learning Zone, five days a week. When the service was forced to close its doors due to the coronavirus outbreak, Adil decided to raise funds for the cause by walking 60,000 steps a week for four consecutive weeks.

The 25 year old was inspired to take on the challenge by his support workers, who noticed he was struggling with not being able to attend The Learning Zone. Adil has autism and limited verbal communication, and disruption to his routines that are difficult for him to understand can result in low moods and changes in his behaviour. Support workers observed he was becoming quiet and withdrawn and, together with Adil and his family, talked about finding a goal for him to work towards.

Adil set himself a walking challenge and has been committed to the task at hand throughout the four week period. With his support workers by his side, Adil has spent the four hours of support he receives every day getting more steps under his belt. The challenge has seen the team explore the length and breadth of Adil’s local area, with his route taking him through Shibden Park, Judy Woods and along the Leeds to Liverpool canal.

Four weeks and a mammoth 240,000 steps on, Adil completed his challenge on 5 July. To celebrate his achievements, Adil’s support workers presented him with a certificate and card in front of his family.

All funds raised are set to go towards The Learning Zone, a creative and vocational learning centre that offers classes and activities to almost 90 people a day. Adil is an active member of the service and regularly attends classes ranging from sports, dance and stretching to art and photography. Money raised by Adil is set to contribute to the purchase of new sports equipment and communication aids and resources.

Adil’s mum said:
“Adil has been attending The Learning Zone for more than five years and every day he is very excited to go. The staff are brilliant and make sure that Adil is looked after very well. During the lockdown, the service has been providing support for Adil, and he has been enjoying days out to different parks and going for long walks. His walking challenge has meant he has got his motivation back, and it’s made him more cheerful, relaxed, vocal, and energetic. Thank you to everyone who has donated!”

Emma Macdonald, Sporting and Challenge Events Manager, said:
“The pandemic has meant that all of us have experienced huge changes to our day to day lives. For people with learning disabilities, these changes are often even more disruptive and can have a huge impact. We’re so proud of Adil, who has created a positive out of a challenging situation by raising funds for the service where he is supported. Thanks to his dedication and commitment, The Learning Zone will now be able to offer even more resources and equipment to Adil and other people with learning disabilities when it reopens. We’re so grateful for his efforts.”

To donate, visit Adil’s fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/adilwalkingchallenge