A community sponsored walk will take place this weekend to help raise funds for a vital new home for Ryedale Special Families (RSF).

Pickering Town Community Interest Company (PTCIC) are in training for their first walk for RSF which will embark from Pickering Town Community Park this Sunday.

Funds raised will go towards the building of a much-needed new base for RSF who need £400k to start the build.

The charity, which supports youngsters across Ryedale with additional needs, is aiming to move from its current home in Old Malton to a purpose-built building near Pickering.

Participants will include Pickering residents who regularly take part in the ‘Mindful Mile’ every Saturday morning. The Mindful Mile, launched back in March of this year, is a gentle ‘walk and talk group’ to encourage health and well-being and active engagement within the community. The free weekly walk is led by PTCIC directors, health and fitness coach, Katherine Bray and Daisy Bringloe.

Daisy said: “The Mindful Mile is a lovely way for the people of our community to get some fresh air, improve their physical and mental well-being and make new friends. We have a regular, growing crowd with a variety of different ages and abilities who love a natter, a nice stroll and a cup of tea afterwards.”

Katherine added: “ A small group of our regular walkers were inspired to start going a little bit further so I suggested a half marathon walk. Last week, we did 10.5 miles in preparation for our sponsored walk this week.”

One participant, Ruby Sugars, will complete her role in the sponsored walk a day early. Ruby, aged eight from Pickering, has a rare genetic condition and only learned to walk through intensive physiotherapy at three and a half years old.

Ruby’s mum, Carrie Brackstone of the PTCIC, said: “Ruby will tackle one lap of the Park which measures at roughly 1,500 metres. It will take her about an hour with us supporting her but we are hoping the promise of chocolate buttons will spur her on. Due to practicalities of the current RSF building, Ruby is unable to access services their services. The new building in Pickering is on our door-step, and with sensory rooms and an accessible outside playground will be a wonderful facility for both her and other disabled children in the area. RSF really need the whole community’s support to get this built.”

Lisa Keenan, RSF: "Ryedale Special Families are delighted that Katherine and Daisy have organised this sponsored walk. As long-term supporters of our work, once again they are helping RSF reach our target of a new building for local families. The new base will be an amazing addition to community support for families with disabled children in Ryedale and we are very grateful for their support"

To sponsor Ruby go to the Just Giving page: ‘Ruby’s BIG lap of the Park for Ryedale Special Families’