A TEAM of disabled young people is celebrating after mastering rock climbing, canoeing and trekking.
Six people from the Neuromuscular Centre (NMC) in Winsford have achieved their silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
With patience and perseverance, they were determined to complete the scheme despite having to postpone their practice and expeditions many times during the pandemic.
Claire James, marketing manager at the NMC, said: "Our team overcame huge personal challenges including camping, rock climbing, canoeing and trekking, over the course of their three-day expedition.
"Many of them now have aspirations to complete their gold awards."
The NMC is a centre of excellence for people and families affected by neuromuscular conditions and is dedicated to enriching the lives of more than 3,000 people.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme includes learning a new skill, completing a volunteering placement and an expedition.
Skills acquired by the young team included managing a tuck shop and helping in a classroom as a teaching assistant.
Volunteers helped out at a local library and supported a wheelchair football team with their training.
The final expedition took place at Bendrigg Trust in the Lake District, a fully accessible venue specialising in high quality activities for disabled people.
Team member Jacob Wyatt, a member of the NMC therapies team, said: “ I wanted to participate because not only did I want to challenge myself through various environments, but I wanted to be able to help those who need support in order to complete their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
"Since completing the programme, I feel I have gained confidence in new activities and different scenarios such as map reading.
"I enjoyed every minute of the experience even more as I had a fantastic team to complete the expedition with and hopefully others will be encouraged by our achievements."
Dillon Healey, said: “I wanted to do the Duke of Edinburgh’s award to help build my confidence and face new challenges like rock climbing and canoeing. I also wanted to meet and talk to new people and to work as a team."
Amy Gittins, a member of the young people coaching team at the centre, said: “A uniquely challenging experience but completely worth it.
" All the activities, especially canoeing, were really fun. I've grown as a person and it's an experience I will never forget."
For more details about the NMC visit nmcentre.com or call 01606 860911.
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