Autistic adults from two charities founded by Dame Stephanie Shirley joined together for a fundraising event for the second year running.

Prior’s Court and Autism at Kingwood took part in Step by Step – Autism United on Thursday, 15 May.

The event featured 20 young adults from Prior’s Court’s Young Adult Provision and 25 adults supported by Autism at Kingwood, who took to our grounds in a joint-sponsored walk/jog/run fundraiser.

The two groups were challenged to reach a cumulative number of laps of the 0.6km Prior’s Court Track, rather than each person being set individual targets, giving the event a feel of inclusivity and teamwork.

Prior's Court young adult Jessica and staff member Robert enjoy the day

Overall, the two groups of adults and their supporting staff members racked up an astonishing 330 laps of the Track - 198km of ground cumulatively covered.

Each adult who took part got a medal for their efforts, while the Autism at Kingwood participants were invited to stay at Prior's Court for a picnic afterwards.

Prior's Court young adults Jamie and William with their medals

From Prior’s Court’s side, all monies raised went to our Fun & Recreation appeal, which helps to put on “above and beyond” special events for the autistic young people with complex needs they support. So far, more than £100 has been raised.

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Natalie Norris, Prior’s Court Fundraising Manager, said: “Step by Step last year was a joyful event – to see the young adults supported by Prior’s Court and adults from Autism at Kingwood join together was wonderful to see. Last year, this was the first step in exploring closer working ties with Autism at Kingwood – so it was only right that we reprised the event in 2025.

“It is important to us as an organisation that the young people we support are empowered to take on fundraising challenges. Other young people supported by other charities can show their support for the help the charity provides them, so the young people at Prior’s Court should be empowered to do the same – and Step by Step is one of the ways we can do this.”

Prior's Court young adult Joel and his parents

Together, the two charities directly support close to 200 people – with Prior’s Court specialising in education and residential care for autistic young people with complex needs aged 5 to 25 and Autism at Kingwood supporting around 110 autistic adults.

Warming up before the event