A virtual 5K challenge took place last week, with the money raised going to the Hillingdon Mayor's chosen charity, Centre for ADHD & Autism Support (CAAS).

Student volunteers from Brunel University in Uxbridge took to their social media platforms, posting messages throughout #givingtuesday to encourage staff and students to take up the 5k challenge by either running, walking or cycling the distance over a period of five days. 

The Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Teji Barnes said: “This charity was always going to be on top of my list. The staff at CAAS are there to help with everything from being a shoulder to cry on, to providing actual courses to enable parents to enhance their knowledge and skills. 

“They help parents to deal with their emotions and learn how to raise their child so they can really tap into their child’s best qualities, so that’s what I found really engaging about them.” 

The founders of CAAS, Lynne Laverty and Therese Glynn, got the idea to start the Ruislip based charity because they both had children with ADHD and autism, but neither found any support available. 

Barnes added: “Brunel University decided on a virtual fundraising activity that would get people involved in a healthy pursuit that was altruistic, uplifting and fun. 

“Inspired by the efforts of Captain Tom Moore’s walking in the garden for charity, a virtual 5k meant people could walk or cycle any way they chose, even in their back garden.” 

A yoga and spinning enthusiast of 20 years, Barnes was unable to partake in the challenge herself due to injury. 

She explained: “On 19th November I hit my foot. It was extremely painful and still is. It turned out to be a hairline fracture on my middle toe on my left foot. 

“Although I couldn’t take part, my son and mayoral escort Cameron Bell and his friend James did a 5k cycle, a 5k run and a 5k walk.”

A CAAS spokesperson said: “CAAS is a fairly small charity so every penny we receive makes a difference especially after the challenges we have faced this year during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Funding is always difficult for organisations such as ours and any donations will continue to support projects that make a difference to those affected by the conditions.

“The money raised will go to clubs where funding is due to come to an end, such as the creative club, the sibling's group, Lego therapy and film club. 

“The creative group features drama, music and art in a place that feels safe and secure and is accepting of difference.

"The sibling's group is designed to help siblings of children or young people with a diagnosis of ADHD and autism by giving them the opportunity to develop understanding of the condition so they can better understand their brother or sister, resulting in a better relationship.

“We would like to give a huge thank you to The Mayor of Hillingdon and to Brunel University Volunteers for all their efforts with this event and we look forward to working closely again with them to organise more events in the new year.”

If you would like to donate text MAYORHILL and the amount to 70085 eg MAYORHILL 5 for a £5 donation. Texts cost your donation plus a standard text.

Photo Credit: Mike Woollard, Paul Rose Photography