A Wolverhampton resident who is supported in the community by Priory Adult Care, the mental healthcare specialists, is participating in a sponsored walk, with the help, guidance and encouragement of support workers, to help raise money for the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire.
Daniel Wood, 26, who has a learning disability, was devastated when he learnt about the fire at Grenfell Tower, and was determined to do something to help those affected.
He approached staff at Priroy Supported Living West Midlands, which helps adults with a learning disability, physical disability, autism or mental illness, live in their own homes, in the community - with the idea of planning a walk from Wolverhampton to the Grenfell Tower site.
The walk, which will take place on September 4, will partly follow the Grand Union Canal and take the team approximately 55 hours across around three days.
Members of staff will help Daniel walk the start and end of the route, and then walk in relay formation carrying a baton with a personal message from him inside, for the remainder.
Careful planning of the route has taken place with Daniel and the staff who are accompanying him. They meet weekly to discuss the walk and any support they have generated en-route locally.
The Priory Supported Living West Midlands staff have explained in detail to Daniel what the walk will entail and enabled him to plan the route using maps and images. He is determined to raise as much money as possible for the victims of the disaster.
Priory Adult Care was formed in April from bringing together two Priory adult care divisions, Craegmoor and Amore Care. Its Priory Supported Living West Midlands service offers specialist support for people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health illnesses, complex needs and behaviours that may challenge, and helps with aspects of everyday life such as personal care, healthy eating, medication, and maintaining their homes.
Lesley Wigginton, Locality Manager, said: “When Daniel came to me with the idea of doing something to raise money for the victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster I was touched by his need to help. I will be taking part in the walk with other members of the team and have been generating support from local companies along the way. We are all so proud to be working closely with Daniel to achieve this.”
For more information on the specialist services Priory Adult Care can offer, please call the enquiries and referrals team on 0808 208 2147 or click here to make an enquiry.