“On your MARKs, get set, go!” for 24-hour endurance challenge fundraiser for arts centre appeal

A Prior’s Court staff member is saddling up for an epic 24-hour fundraiser to support young people with complex autism.

Mark Bailey, Head of Service Management at Prior’s Court, has begun training for a 24-hour endurance challenge in support of our performing arts centre fundraising appeal.

On Wednesday, 6 March from 4pm, Mark will be cycling for 24 hours around Prior’s Court’s 0.6km circular track on a tricycle – one of the preferred modes of transport for many of the charity’s young people.

Mark's aim with the “On your MARKs, get set, go!” challenge is to raise £10,000 for the Let Me Shine Performing Arts Centre fundraising appeal, as he is one of the leads for the project.

Mark said:

“I believe passionately in how the performing arts centre will provide transformational opportunities for young people with complex autism at Prior’s Court and further afield. This is why I am taking on this somewhat intimidating challenge. I’m starting training six months ahead of the challenge date as I want to get as many Prior’s Court young people involved in my preparations as possible. That and I am quite unfit so need the time to get in decent shape for 24 hours of cycling!”

Mark has a JustGiving page set up for donations

The Let Me Shine Performing Arts Centre, once complete, will feature adapted facilities to support young people with complex autism to access opportunities in music, dance and drama and the life-enriching benefits this provides.

Individuals with autism face many barriers to accessing the arts – from light and noise sensitivities to understanding of social rules – and one aim of the centre is to mimic theatre environments to prepare young people to access arts venues in the community successfully. This is in addition to having the opportunity day-to-day to express themselves creatively in a dedicated, bespoke space.

Follow Mark’s story:

Via his Instagram account

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