Vicar’s 5-day trek to raise cash for sensory garden
HE WALKED FROM LIVERPOOL TO HULL TO HELP CHILDREN
A VICAR has walked from Liverpool to Hull in five days, raising thousands for a garden for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Father Phil Lamb walked around 26 miles a day from Liverpool’s Liver Building, setting off on Monday, April 1 and arriving at The Deep on Friday, April 5.
The walk has raised around £7,000 for equipment for Hull City Council’s Leisure and Family Support Service (LAFSS) indoor sensory garden.
Council children’s services director Pauline Turner said Father Phil’s determination and generosity would go a long way to helping to provide the much-needed garden. The Sculcoates vicar’s journey saw him walk around 130 miles in total during his five-day trek.
His walk took him through Merseyside, and passed Salford and Wigan in Greater Manchester before he arrived back at Hull on Friday. He was supported by his wife Karen and staff from the council’s children and families disability team including social and family support workers.
Father Phil was greeted by Children’s Services Director Ms Turner on his arrival and he celebrated his return at The Sailmaker’s Arms in the Hull’s Old Town. LAFSS’S sensory garden aims to bring the outdoors indoors as part of efforts to offer short breaks for children and young people with disabilities, complex or additional needs.
The garden, in a building LAFSS will be relocating to this year, is set to including a swing that be can used by wheelchair users. It aims to provide a calm space for children and young people to relax and feel safe.
The indoor garden is set to be finished within the next 12 months. Children’s Services Director Ms Turner said: “Father Phil’s determination and generosity will go a long way to helping us provide a much-needed sensory garden which our children and young people can enjoy for many years to come.”