Ellesmere Port fundraisers who brought in an amazing £6,000 for a community special school had an up and down experience.

Hinderton School parents Clare Powell and her partner Danny Haldon organised the fundraising on World Autism Day in aid of the community special school on Capenhurst Lane.

The school, which provides for primary children with autistic spectrum conditions and social communication needs, is ‘outstanding’ according to Ofsted.

Clare describes Hinderton School, which her daughter Keira Haldon-Powell attends, as ‘amazing’.

The main event was planned at Hope Farm Community Centre in Great Sutton.

But ahead of that fundraiser Danny teamed up with Keira’s godfather Lea Gibson with the idea of a sponsored footslog back to Ellesmere Port from Llandudno after walking up and down the Great Orme at the Welsh resort.

Danny Haldon and Lea Gibson who footslogged a 67 mile sponsored hike from Llandudno in support of Hinderton School
Danny Haldon and Lea Gibson who footslogged a 67 mile sponsored hike from Llandudno in support of Hinderton School

The headland, two miles long and one mile wide, rises 207m (679ft) from the sea.

A delighted Clare said: “The lads completed their walk for autism, a massive 67 miles altogether.”

The friends started at 7.50am on day one at Llandudno railway station and tackled the famous feature before walking on to Prestatyn where they arrived at 7.30pm at Pontins to sleep.

The next morning they left at 7.30am and arrived home at 8.30pm.

“Very sore feet and very tired but an amazing achievement,” said Clare.

She added: “The school were delighted with what the lads achieved doing the walk.”

Headteacher Liam Dowling Tweeted: “A huge thank you to Hinderton parent Danny Haldon who did a 67 mile sponsored walk from Llandudno to Ellesmere Port!”

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The two hour fun day at the community centre included a bouncy castle, Disney characters and a raffle.

But at the end of the afternoon, thanks to donations of £2,000 from Amec Foster Wheeler, where Danny works and £500 from Airbus, the total raised by the couple was an amazing £6,000.

Clare and Danny said”The autism fundraiser at Hope Farm Community Centre was a huge success, very well attended.

“Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse were a big hit with the children, thanks to Paul Smith Premier Entertainment for the use of costumes and for the decoration of the centre.

“And not forgetting Hillbark and the Village Hotel for the amazing donation of raffle prizes and also other business and companies that also contributed.”

Delighted at the outcome they added: “We couldn’t be happier.”