Mill School community do Autism Dogs Charity's 'Pawsome 60 Mile March'

Mill School student Riley Ross, 15, has an assistance dog, Nimbus, and asked if the Wellington Street school could take part in Autism Dogs Charity's "Pawsome 60 Mile March".

The challenge involves walking or running 60 miles in March, with or without a "furry friend", and asking friends and family to sponsor them in aid of the charity.

Each dog at the charity is trained to perform a number of tasks to help their handler to cope with challenges, manage their anxiety, grow in confidence, interact with others and maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle.

They are devoted companions that provide reassurance, security and friendship which can be truly transformative.

Nimbus has helped to transform Riley's life. Beforehand he was having issues with sleep, violent meltdowns, not eating well, he did not want to go to school and he was generally unhappy.

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Riley and Nimbus (Image: Red Saturn Media)

With Nimbus by his side at school and in his social life, Riley sleeps and eats better, and has fun.

His mum Adele added: “We couldn’t be more grateful to Autism Dogs. I have no idea where we would be without Nimbus.”

On Thursday, March 7, the whole school took on the challenge, which involved a number of activities including walks while being split into groups.

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The event last week was a success (Image: by Red Saturn Media)

Members of the school community took part in the event (Image: Red Saturn Media)

Many members of the school community got involved in the fun (Image: by Red Saturn Media)

Children got involved in the challenge (Image: Red Saturn Media)

Some walked near Eton Reservoir, others ventured on a more wheelchair friendly route and the rest walked laps of the school and coloured some specially designed colouring books from the charity.

The day was made more special by firefighters from Bury Fire Station visiting and allowing the pupils who wanted to come and climb on board a fire engine and ask questions.

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Riley and Nimbus, right, with Bury firefighters (Image: Red Saturn Media)

Riley and Nimbus with firefighters (Image: Red Saturn Media)

Bury firefighters joined in with the fun (Image: Red Saturn Media)

More than £700 has been raised from the event with a JustGiving crowdfunding page set up in which people can donate to (https://www.justgiving.com/page/millschoolpawsomewalk). 

The school regards Autism Dogs Charity as a "remarkable organisation dedicated to providing assistance dogs tailored to the unique needs of autistic individuals".

Head teacher Helen Birkinhead added: “Mill School students and staff are delighted to be supporting such a wonderful charity.

"We have seen first hand the positive impact that assistance dogs can have for some of our young people with autism, and it is a joy to see.”