MEMBERS of a self advocacy group for people with learning disabilities in the Wokingham borough took part in the Wokingham Walk for the first time.
CLASP walkers braved the weather and the ground water to complete their circuit through Wokingham woodland countryside.
And in doing so they raised £1,500 for the group.
Debs Morrison, CEO of CLASP, said: “ I sign up to the Wokingham Walk every year with three friends.
“I absolutely love it.
“I’ve been suggesting it to CLASP members that they might like to join me, but previously they have felt it would be too much.
This year they agreed to join in, and I’m so proud of them.”
Armed with umbrellas and macs, six CLASP members braved the slush, the mud and pools of water that the Wokingham Walk routes had turned into after overnight rain.
“They kept going despite the grotty conditions,” said Debs.
“They don’t walk quickly, and it was a real challenge for them.
“One of them suffers from fibromyalgia and struggles to walk some days, so it was a huge achievement, and I am so proud of them.
“The walk is a lovely thing to do, and gives people time to stroll and chat.”
CLASP is a user-led organisation, run by its members, employing people with learning disabilities, and offering voluntary opportunities.
Members receive one to one support, information, advice and signposting.
It also runs a disability awareness training group, Listen To Us, and a campaigning group called Take Notice.
The Wokingham Walk is a charity event, raising money for Wokingham Lions Club to be dispersed to borough charities.
People can sign up to walk five, 10, or 15 miles following routes through woodland countryside around Wokingham town centre.
For more information, visit: www.claspwokingham.org, and www.wokinghamwalk.co.uk
