Founders of a Morecambe charity helping young disabled people are getting set for their first overseas trek fundraiser.
Jane Halpin and Denise Armer are preparing for one of their biggest challenges yet, almost 17 years since starting Unique Kidz & Co from around a kitchen table.
Jane and Denise will take on the the organisation's first ever overseas fundraising challenge - the Iceland Fire & Ice Trek this July.
Jane's daughter Connie has Rett Syndrome, while Denise is mum to two sons with autism and learning disabilities.
Frustrated by the lack of inclusive opportunities available for their own children and others like them, the pair decided to create something themselves.
What began as a small idea has since grown into a thriving charity supporting children and young adults with disabilities and their families from across North Lancashire and South Cumbria, based at Woodhill Lane in Morecambe.
"Back in 2009, we were simply two mums trying to find something that didn't seem to exist," said Jane.
"Somewhere our children could go to have fun, make friends and just be themselves.
"We couldn't find it, so we created it. To say it was a challenge would be an understatement, but almost 17 years later Unique Kidz & Co has become something we could never have imagined. It has grown so much, but at its heart it's still about creating a place where every young person feels valued, included and celebrated for who they are."
Joining Jane and Denise on the trek is Susan, Connie's auntie, who has supported both the family and the charity throughout its journey.
"Susan has been there through it all," said Jane.
"She's part of the family, part of the story and now she's part of this challenge too. Taking on Iceland together feels really special."
The Iceland Fire & Ice Trek will see participants face challenging terrain and unpredictable conditions as they cover 58km through some of the country's most spectacular scenery, including volcanic landscapes, lava fields and geothermal valleys.
The full team of 10 trekkers with some of the young people who come to Unique Kidz
For Jane, Denise and Susan, the challenge is about more than reaching the finish line. Every mile completed will help raise funds to support the young people and families who continue to benefit from the charity they helped build.
"We know this trek is going to be tough, but every step will be worth it," said Denise.
"We still believe in creating opportunities and helping to make a difference. Every mile we walk is for the young people that come to Unique Kidz & Co, for the friendships they build, the confidence they gain and the experiences they enjoy.
"As parents, we've experienced first-hand how important that support is. That's why we're still passionate about making sure other families have somewhere they can turn to."
Chris Pilkington, Head of Fundraising at Unique Kidz & Co, said: "Jane and Denise are the reason Unique Kidz & Co exists today.
"Their determination to create opportunities for their own children has transformed the lives of hundreds of families across our community.
"To see them taking on our first overseas challenge is incredibly inspiring. They have spent almost two decades helping others go further than they thought possible, and now they're doing exactly that themselves. We couldn't be prouder of them and all 10 of our amazing trekkers."
The team will set off for Iceland on July 1 and are continuing to raise sponsorship ahead of the challenge.
Anyone wishing to support the trekkers can donate via the Iceland Fire & Ice Trek fundraising page HERE. More than £20,000 has been raised on the page to date.
Unique Kidz and Co opened in 2009 with its first after school club, where 65 young people attended.
Now the charity has 187 young people with disabilities on its system and an ever-growing waiting list.
Its services now include afterschool, holiday and weekend clubs for children aged 5-19 with disabilities (Kidz Club); and daytime support for young adults.
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