Four incredible members of Team Prior’s Court have completed an epic endurance challenge in aid of the autistic young people with complex needs they support day in day out.

Chris Sturm, Emily McEwan, Hannah Marcham and Lauren Kingham all took on the Race to the Stones challenge on the weekend of Saturday, 13 July and Sunday, 14 July, in aid of two of our fundraising appeals.

This huge challenge consisted of two 50km ultra-marathons on consecutive days along the UK’s oldest trail, The Ridgeway, ending at the 5000-year-old Avebury Standing Stones.

Chris successfully took on both days of the challenge – so 100km in total – while Emily, Hannah and Lauren completed the 50km event on Saturday, 13 July.

Chris's journey

Chris said: “After the first 30km of running I felt my knees start to stiffen so I had to take it easy and walk mostly for the remainder of the 70km, which was disappointing.

“So I’ve definitely got unfinished business with The Ridgeway and Race to the Stones.”

Hannah's experience

Hannah said: “I found it immensely hard, harder than I thought it was going to be! There were high points (jam sandwiches and visits from friends) and low points (45km -48km was particularly hard for me and I wouldn't have made it without Emily and Lauren).

“Crossing the finish line was such a proud moment. The atmosphere at the end was fun and welcoming and lifted our spirits - I couldn't believe we'd actually made it! 

“We're grateful for everyone who has donated to our challenge and know this will make such a difference to the students at Priors Court. However, I think I need a bit more time to forget how hard it was before I sign up for anything else! “ 

Emily's view

Emily added: “It was the best but also the hardest thing I have ever done.

“The challenge was so much harder than I anticipated, we had trained but we were not ready for the amount of hills that there were. I wouldn't have been able to do it without Hannah and Lauren by my side, we pushed each other through the tough moments and laughed together when we were starting to feel delirious. It was particularly hard halfway through when I recognised where we were and the sheer realisation of how far we had to go hit me.

“I definitely want to take on another challenge eventually, but right now, I don't want to see my walking boots for a very long time!”

Lauren's thoughts

Lauren added: “It was by far the hardest I have ever had to push myself. It started off a breeze, but it really got tough when I was 36km in and walking on blistered feet for the last 14km. 

“I wouldn't have been able to do it without the girls’ support and encouragement. I think that was the key to our success, doing it together.

“I am so thankful to everyone who donated, it really helped push me to that finish line.”

Chris, a regular at Newbury parkrun, was fundraising for Prior’s Court’s Performing Arts Centre appeal. The centre will feature adapted facilities to support autistic young people with complex needs to access opportunities in music, dance and drama and the life-enriching benefits this provides. Chris has raised more than £900 so far and donations can still be made.

Donate to Chris's JustGiving page

Hannah, Lauren and Emily were fundraising for our general funds appeal which goes towards purchasing things like outdoor play equipment for the autistic young people we support. The trio have raised more than £1,300 so far and donations can still be made.

Donate to Hannah, Lauren and Emily's JustGiving page

A special celebration event for the four was held on-site at Prior's Court on Thursday, 18 July.

Find out more about Prior’s Court’s fundraising appeals