Bridstow mum, Alison Sheppard, and her son, Michael are walking 30 miles to raise funds to help build an educational garden for young people with special needs.

Alison and John Sheppard, who live near Ross-on-Wye, fought long and hard to ensure their eldest son David, who has complex disabilities, continued his education when he left school. Now he is enjoying life at National Star in Hereford.

The charity recently moved to larger premises to cope with demand for its day services which include a sensory-based curriculum, learning work place skills, and speech and language therapy.

Whilst the inside of the building is up to scratch, £25,000 is needed to help the garden grow. Alison and David’s brother, Michael, 21, intend to raise it, starting with a walk from National Star’s Foundation House in Gloucester, to National Star in Hereford.

“Hereford is a very active county so I knew I had to do something hard to raise £25,000 but I have no idea why I said I’d do it,” Alison says. “Michael is 8” taller than me and he’s got a bigger stride so I’m going to have to walk fast to keep up.”

David’s disabilities were noticed when he was seven months old. He was diagnosed with epilepsy and autism, and, when he was 11, cerebral palsy. His parents were told he would never walk or talk. Today, at 22, he does both. But at 19 the only choices he had were moving out of the county or joining day care with much older people.

Alison says: “National Star has transformed him. He’s a different boy, he never stops improving. I’ve never set boundaries for David, nor do they. We’ve tried to let him lead as normal a life as possible. David gets very anxious because of his autism but he’s very happy, loving and amiable. He’s got a special bond with his labradoodle, Beryl.”

Alison and Michael’s challenge will take 12-14 hours to complete.

“I walked 14 miles the other day and thought I was dying,” Alison says, “we’ve got to do double that but it will be worth it to get the money for the garden so they can grow veg, play football, or go for a walk if they are having a hard time.”

Dad John will provide medical and emotional support. “The National Star garden is essential,” he says. “The inside works very well as a space to learn but they haven’t got any space to chill out in or have fun in, young people need that.”

Alison believes the garden will be a special place for the students. “Young people like David are directed all the time, sit here, eat this, and in the classroom they’re restricted but when they’re outside they can wander, they’re free. David loves to be free.”

You can support Alison and Michael’s walk on Sunday, July 3rd at outdoorareaappeal.everydayhero.com/uk/alison