A trio of fundraisers have successfully cycled across Germany – including the brother of a young person who has been supported by Prior’s Court for almost a decade.

On Friday, 19 September, Jude Geldart set off from Düsseldorf with friends Theo and Seb on a cycling challenge to raise funds for Prior’s Court's Sensory Appeal. On Tuesday, 23 September, Jude and Seb completed the full 649km journey to Berlin, while Theo, who had to leave the ride partway through, supported the team during more than half of the challenge.

Along the way, Jude received video messages of encouragement from the likes of Dr Ranj, Mary McCartney and Harriet Thorpe, which helped to spur the riders on during the most challenging moments.

The cyclists smashed past their original £1,000 fundraising target, raising more than £2,500 as it stands for the appeal.

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The group’s efforts are helping to support the refurbishment of the on-site multi-sensory building at Prior’s Court - a space that plays a vital role in reducing anxiety, supporting self-regulation, and providing essential sensory input for autistic young people with complex needs.

Jude’s younger brother Felix, 20, first joined Prior’s Court at the age of 11. At that time, he struggled with communication, daily routines, and behavioural challenges, but over the years Felix has made significant progress in all aspects of his development – progress which his family attributes to the specialist support he receives at Prior’s Court.

Reflecting on the challenge, Jude said: “It was tough both physically and in terms of the organisation – on a couple of occasions we had to cycle at night to make sure we reached our next stop, and that required a lot of focus. My legs are certainly sore now!

“It felt brilliant to get to the end, but also it’s been a wonderful journey that I really enjoyed. I’m so pleased to have arrived in a beautiful European city and be able to relax after all the long rides.

“I feel great and really proud of the achievement. It wouldn’t have been possible without the fundraising department at Prior’s Court, and of course, we’re proud to have raised a substantial amount of money. I hope this challenge has helped to spread awareness, because the reality is many more events like this are needed to change wider understanding on a much larger scale.

“Above all, I want to thank Prior’s Court for everything they have done to support my brother throughout his development.”

See how Jude and his friends got on

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The multi-sensory building targeted by the appeal is a space used daily by many of the young people at Prior’s Court. While it currently provides essential support, it is in urgent need of refurbishment to better meet the growing and complex needs of those who use it.

Find out more about the Sensory Appeal