A BRADFORD man with learning disabilities has walked 240,000 steps in the space of a month, raising money which will go towards sports equipment and other vital resources for the charity which supports him.

Adil, who has autism and limited verbal communication, walked 60,000 steps a week, for four weeks in a row, and raised over £600 for Hft, a national charity which supports adults who have learning disabilities.

The 25-year-old normally attends Hft’s day opportunities service, The Learning Zone, five days a week, but the service was forced to close amid the coronavirus outbreak.

In the wake of this, Adil decided to raise funds for the charity by walking, with his routes taking in Bradford's Judy Woods, Halifax's Shibden Park and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Adil was was inspired to take on the challenge by his support workers - who accompanied him on his walks - after they noticed he was struggling with not being able to attend The Learning Zone.

Disruption to Adil's routines that are difficult for him to understand can result in low moods and changes in his behaviour. Support workers noticed he was becoming quiet and withdrawn, and, together with Adil and his family, talked about finding a goal for him to work towards.

Adil has been committed to the task at hand throughout the four week period, and has spent the four hours of support he receives every day getting more steps under his belt.

Adil completed his challenge on 5 July and received a certificate and a card from his support workers, to celebrate his achievement.

All funds raised are set to go towards The Learning Zone, which is a creative and vocational learning centre which offers classes and activities to almost 90 people a day.

Adil is an active member of the service and regularly attends classes ranging from sports and dance to art and photography.

Money raised by Adil is set to contribute to the purchase of new sports equipment and communication aids and resources.

Adil’s mum said: “Adil has been attending The Learning Zone for over five years, and every day he is very excited to go. The staff are brilliant and they make sure that Adil is looked after very well.

"During the lockdown, the service has been providing support for Adil, and he has been enjoying days out to different parks and going for long walks. His walking challenge has meant he has got his motivation back, and it’s made him more cheerful, relaxed, vocal and energetic. Thank you to everyone who has donated!”

Emma Macdonald, Sporting and Challenge Events Manager, said: “The pandemic has meant that all of us have experienced huge changes to our day-to-day lives. For people with learning disabilities, these changes are often even more disruptive and can have a huge impact.

"We’re so proud of Adil, who has created a positive out of a challenging situation, by raising funds for the service where he is supported.

"Thanks to his dedication and commitment, The Learning Zone will now be able to offer even more resources and equipment to Adil and other people with learning disabilities, when it re-opens. We’re so grateful for his efforts.”