TWO staff members from a Clent special school are going the extra mile - and then some - for World Autism Awareness Day.

Emily Mantle and Maxine Bradshaw, who both work at Sunfield, will mark the awareness raising day this Saturday (April 2) by stepping up their training for a 110 mile walk.

The pair will use the walk to raise awareness and funds for the children and young people they support at the residential school.

They will start weekly long-distance training walks in preparation for the 4-day challenge which is set to start on May 23 in Swansea, Wales, and finishing back at the school, where Sunfield students and staff members will join the pair for the final few miles.

Maxine, a senior care support worker, said: “We want to raise awareness of the condition of autism in general and the importance of small charities, like Sunfield, to continue to be here for those that need individualised care, as well as for their families.

“This walk is a celebration of what we already do and, more importantly, to help ensure Sunfield is here for years to come.”

Both Maxine and Emily are a part of a larger team of specialist care, education and psychology and therapy professionals who support about 50 students with complex needs including autism – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Caroline Bell, Sunfield’s principal, said: “Staff at Sunfield go the extra mile for our young people every day, showing a level of commitment and dedication that is rarely understood by wider society.

“By walking 110 miles, Maxine and Emily want to draw attention to the work we do to support young people from England and Wales and to raise some much-needed funds.

“Their commitment is inspiring and I hope that it encourages more people to support our work.”

To support Emily and Maxine and donate towards their worthwhile cause, text DARE01 and an amount to 70070.