Sobia Mohgul, classroom teaching assistant from Maidenhead, completed a 15 kilometre charity walk while rest of the team Katharine Parker and her daughter Megan, 14 years old, completed a separate 10 kilometre walk.

The fundraising walk was for the National Autistic Society and raised over £1,500. It was organised by Sobia and the Parker family, whose Year 10 daughter Megan is a pupil at Claires Court Senior Girls school and is on the autism spectrum. 

Sobia Mohgul commented: “The walk was supposed to be 10 or 15 kilometres in London throughout the night as a team but understandably the event was cancelled to support the strategy tackling coronavirus. We decided to go ahead individually while keeping our social distance and following the government’s advice, as we had gained sponsorship and I really wanted to fulfil my part. The National Autistic Society was encouraging people to walk anyway from home and send in photos. 

“We called our team the walkie talkies as we walked the talk and talked the walk. It was a hard walk, luckily I had Megan and her mum on the phone to me many times to keep me motivated. I am super proud of Megan and her mum for their support for this cause that I am fond of.” 

Katharine and Megan, from Beaconsfield, completed a 10 kilometre walk where they live and said: “Last year we weren’t able to do the walk, and this year obviously we couldn’t walk together as a team, so we’ve challenged ourselves to do the walk again next year. While social distancing we were able to support and cheer each other on over the phone.

“We really appreciate everyone’s donations.”

The National Autism Society is a charity set up to bring passion and expertise to the lives of 100,000 autistic people every year. 

A JustGiving page has been set up for those who would like to donate to this worthy cause.

James Wilding, Academic Principal at Claires Court, added: "I continue to be amazed at the determination of our employees to make a difference during the current crisis. Sobia and her wider families support for some of the most vulnerable children in society, particularly at this time, provides breadth to our understanding of who needs support throughout the year, whatever happens.”