(Image: Supplied)
North East business leaders have completed a gruelling trek along the Great Wall of China, raising £72,000 for autistic and neurodivergent people and their families.
The six-day challenge raised money for Daisy Chain, a Norton charity supporting more than 8,000 autistic and neurodivergent people each year.
Dr Nichole Munro, chief executive of Atomix Educational Trust, said: "Completing this walk for Daisy Chain has been so much more than just a physical challenge.
The Daisy Chain challenge team on the Great Wall after helping raise more than £72,000 for autistic and neurodivergent people. (Image: Supplied)
"It’s pushed me in ways I didn’t expect, taught me a lot about myself, and reminded me of the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone.
"But one of the most special parts has been the people.
"Walking alongside an incredible group, making amazing new friends and supporting each other through the tough moments has been something I’ll take away with me for a long time."
The business, education and community leaders trekked sections of the wall through the Yan Mountains towards the historic Gubeikou Gateway.
Participants tackled steep climbs and rugged terrain during the charity trek through the Yan Mountains (Image: Supplied)
The route included steep climbs, uneven steps and tough terrain.
Dr Munro said the trek showed the power of teamwork.
She said: "It’s also been a real reminder of what leadership and community are all about.
"It’s not about doing things alone or always having the answers.
Participants tackled steep climbs and rugged terrain during the charity trek through the Yan Mountains (Image: Supplied)
"It’s about showing up, bringing people together, lifting each other up when things get tough, and recognising that we can achieve so much more when we work together."
Participants included Grant Glendinning, Dr Nichole Munro, Zoe Lewis CBE DL, Laura Tarran, Eva Quinn, Neil McMillan, John Betts, Gary Dawson, John Young, Leona Littlejohn and Paul Hodgson.
Daisy Chain partnerships co-ordinator Frankie Cain led the trek.
Business, education and community leaders joined forces to take on the Great Wall of China charity challenge (Image: Supplied)
Dr Munro said the group’s shared purpose and effort would leave a lasting mark.
She said: "Together, we’ve raised over £72,000 for Daisy Chain.
"Just think about that for a moment.
"A group of people, coming together for a cause that matters, and making a real difference.
"I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, grateful for the friendships made, and reminded once again of the power of people coming together with a shared purpose."
Business, education and community leaders joined forces to take on the Great Wall of China charity challenge (Image: Supplied)
Johnathon Pickard, director of business development and economic generation at Daisy Chain, said: "What an incredible achievement by everyone who took part in our first ever Global Steps Challenge.
"To raise over £72,000 is phenomenal, and I want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved.
"Following their progress and seeing the photographs and updates from China has been genuinely inspiring.
"These are busy business leaders and professionals who have committed months to training and fundraising, pushing themselves well outside their comfort zones to support Daisy Chain."
Mr Pickard said how the money would help.
He said: "We see every day the difference that the right support can make to autistic and neurodivergent people and their families.
"This incredible fundraising will help us continue that work and reach even more people.
"A massive congratulations and thank you to everyone who took part.
"You should all be immensely proud of what you've achieved."
Read more
New jobs up for grabs at North Yorkshire factory making one million sausages a day
Classic car show raises more than £18,000 for ten North East charities
Cumbrian farmers invited to free conference on industry challenges
Daisy Chain offers social clubs, respite care, wellbeing support, independent-living training, employability programmes and animal therapy.
The charity wants everyone it supports to enjoy a meaningful life at every stage.
A spokesperson for Daisy Chain said: "Our mission is to empower autistic and neurodivergent individuals through holistic, inclusive services while promoting understanding, wellbeing and acceptance across the region and nationwide."