I am taking on a demanding high-altitude trek in the lower Himalayas of India to raise funds for Jersey Autism, a charity that provides vital support to autistic people and their families here in Jersey.
Over several days, I will be trekking for 6 to 8 hours a day through remote mountain terrain, camping overnight at relatively high altitude. The trek will reach heights of up to 10,500 feet, where oxygen levels are around 30% lower than at sea level. Conditions may include steep ascents, snow underfoot and generally rocky terrain . It will be physically exhausting, mentally demanding, and well outside my comfort zone — but it feels like the right way to honour a cause that means so much to me.
I’m 65 years old — a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt — usually far more at home with my knitting needles, a good book, or baking something for family and friends than trekking at altitude. I work as Secretary and Treasurer for a motorsport club, and I’ve lived a busy, full life rooted in family, community, and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. Taking on a challenge like this is very much outside my comfort zone, but it feels like the right thing to do.
This challenge is deeply personal to me. My grandson Finley is 10 years old and is Autistic and has ADHD. He is kind, bright, and full of determination — yet the world is not always designed with children like him in mind. Everyday situations that others take for granted can be overwhelming, exhausting, and isolating.
As a family, we see first-hand how essential understanding, patience, and specialist support truly are.
Families affected by autism don’t just need love — they need access to services, guidance, and a community that understands. Jersey Autism provides that lifeline, offering practical support, reassurance, and advocacy so that autistic individuals and their families feel less alone and better equipped to navigate daily life. The work they do across our island makes a real and lasting difference.
Every step I take in the Himalayas is for Finley, and for every autistic child and family who deserve understanding, acceptance, and the right support to thrive.
