(Image: Supplied)
A Darlington mother’s fight for better opportunities for her son has inspired dozens of people to walk 16.5 miles for SEND families across the town.
About 80 supporters joined the walk on Sunday, September 27, bringing the total amount raised so far for Kane’s World Foundation’s #16Point5MilesTooFar campaign to £17,649.
Kelly Knight founded the charity, which is named after her autistic, non-verbal son Kane, who has ADHD and needs significant support to stay safe.
Around 80 supporters took part in the charity walk to raise funds and awareness (Image: Supplied)
Ms Knight said: "I knew 16.5 miles wouldn’t be easy, but what surprised me was how little I noticed the miles because of the people I was surrounded by and the reason we were doing it.
"There were moments yesterday where I just looked around at everyone walking and felt completely overwhelmed.
"People were laughing, encouraging one another, checking that everyone was okay and reminding each other exactly why we were there.
Walkers in costume show their determination during the 16.5-mile challenge for SEND children and families. (Image: Supplied)
"This started with my love for one little boy – my Kane – but there are now so many children and families we are walking for."
The campaign highlights the long distances families travel to find suitable facilities for children with additional needs.
Ms Knight’s personal mission to help her son has grown into Kane’s World, a registered charity supporting SEND children, siblings and families in Darlington and beyond.
Young supporters, including Kelly Knight’s daughter Evelyn, joined the fundraising effort (Image: Supplied)
The walkers travelled from Darlington to Northallerton, backed by volunteers, parents, trustees and businesses.
ITV News also joined the route to interview parents and teachers about the walk’s importance to the SEND community.
The charity’s long-term goal is a dedicated SEND centre in Darlington, providing a safe, inclusive space for children and families.
Around 80 supporters took part in the charity walk to raise funds and awareness (Image: Supplied)
Ms Knight said: "Our children shouldn’t have to fit into spaces that were never designed for them.
"Families shouldn’t constantly have to travel elsewhere to find somewhere their child is understood and accepted.
"We want to create that here in Darlington.
"A place with sensory spaces, regulation areas, opportunities for siblings and somewhere families know they can walk through the door without judgement.
"To see approximately 80 people physically walking those miles with us, and to see the JustGiving total reach £17,649, is incredibly emotional.
"Every single person who walked, donated, shared the campaign or supported us has become part of that vision."
Ms Knight’s eight-year-old daughter Evelyn was among the walkers and determined to complete as much of the route as possible.
Ms Knight said: "I couldn't have been prouder of Evelyn.
"She was checking on other people, encouraging everyone and randomly telling me how proud she was of me throughout the day.
"There were moments where I insisted she took some time in one of the support cars because she is only eight – which she was not happy about at all.
"She wanted to walk every single step.
"Her determination was incredible."
The charity praised residents who opened their toilets, parents who cheered from the sidelines and volunteers who supplied refreshments and kept walkers safe.
Ms Knight said: "There are too many people to thank individually.
"From our trustees and volunteers, our walkers and everybody who sponsored them, to people turning up along the route just to cheer us on – it was unbelievable.
"We finished tired and sore, but incredibly proud.
"The walk may have finished, but #16Point5MilesTooFar was never really about one day.
"It is about what comes next.
"We have said that we intend to deliver this centre, and we will keep pushing until SEND families in our area have the provision they deserve."
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Kane’s World Foundation became a registered charity in August 2025 and offers inclusive activities, support and opportunities for SEND children and their families.
Its services include swimming, sensory sessions, family events and support for siblings and young carers through the Sibling Squad programme.
The charity is still seeking permanent premises for its planned SEND centre in Darlington.
The event was sponsored by Nevisons Super Whip of Darlington.