Henry stepping up to do his bit as charity aims to raise £25k

'EXTRAORDINARY' WALKING CHALLENGE IS SUPPORTING FELLOW YOUNG PEOPLE

- By LORNA HUGHES

A KINDHEARTED boy who loves postcodes is on a mission to walk some of Middlesbrough’s longest roads - for a very good cause that will help give people in need a “lifeline”.

Henry Bourner is embarking on the challenge after finding out his favourite charity needs to raise £25,000. Henry, who is autistic, goes to MAIN, based in North Ormesby, every Thursday after school.

MAIN supports children and adults who are autistic, neurodivergent, have a learning disability or complex needs, and the charity is urgently raising funds to build a Quiet Room to support children and young people in heightened emotional states.

All the services needed for the build - from architectural design to labour - have been provided free of charge, but the charity launched a campaign last month to raise enough money for the building works and materials.

Henry, 12, said: "I love learning about roads and postcodes, and over the course of three days during the month of August, I am going to walk the length of some of the longest roads in Middlesbrough!"

Henry's fundraising walks will take him along Ladgate Lane from the Bluebell Hotel to Normanby High Street, Marton Road from the Odeon to Miller and Carter, and Linthorpe/Acklam Road from Middlesbrough Railway Station to Cherry Hill Garden Centre.

So far, Henry has raised more than £1,100 towards the project.