My Story

Alicia : I started running about 18 months ago, to keep fit and switch off from every day stresses!  I took part in my first half marathon (Reading) in April and enjoyed it so much, I entered the Oxford half marathon in last October. Shortly after, I decided to run the London Marathon for local charity West Berkshire Mencap. 

I know a couple of families who rely heavily on the services provided by the charity, without which, life would be so much more difficult.
Mencap provides respite care which allows the families to take a break from 24hour caring, and spend quality time with their other children or running errands which they are unable to do without help. 

West Berkshire Mencap has been running children’s services for over 20 years. Our aim is to operate a safe and happy environment for children aged 0-18 years with a learning disability (with or without a physical disability) to play, have fun and socially interact.

The children’s outreach service provides a bespoke package of care to support to children with Additional needs, this support can be offered in the home, out in the community or at our centre in Enborne Gate in Newbury.

Support can be given in the community, where they support the child to access activities such as swimming, attending other social activities or learning a skill such as travel training.

Support in the home may include helping with homework, bathing and getting the young person ready for bed or helping them learn to cook.

Mencap's fully equipped centre in Newbury includes a large hall, sensory room, soft playroom and large outdoor playground. The centre is accessible with hoists available in the soft playroom, sensory room and changing room. The playground includes swings, slides, a zip wire and a wheelchair accessible swing. We also have a large range of toys and craft activities available.

I am hoping to raise as much money as possible to help the ongoing fundraising efforts of the charity to enable more local children to benefit from the fabulous services they offer.