This month we are saying a massive thank you to our Supporter of the month Nicole Gillen. She raised an amazing £722 for Mencap doing the One Million Step Challenge in memory of her son, Odhran. 

We also must thank Nicole’s father Jim and husband Jonny for their fundraising for Mencap alongside Nicole. Odhran’s family put on this wonderful tribute as a beautiful way to remember and celebrate Odhran’s life. They chose to raise money for Mencap because of the support services Mencap provided to Odhran and his family.  

A man in a Mencap running vest hugs a woman in a street

Nicole said, “Mencap provided invaluable support services for Odhran and my family. From attending Segal House Nursery, to teaching us Makaton, to supporting us navigate life after we lost Odhran.” 

Odhran with his mother in front of a fence overlooking a cliff and beach below them

We are so grateful for their continued support, people like Nicole and her family allow us to continue our mission to make the UK the best place in the world to live for people with a learning disability . 

In Loving Memory of Odhran

The million steps challenge was tough at times and Nicole said they had to “take a second to remember the purpose of it and push ourselves on”. This is an amazing feat, and we are so proud of all of their efforts to complete this impressive challenge, raise an incredible amount of money and do it in memory of the lovely Odhran.

Odhran at a graduation from Mencap nursery wearing a graduation gown and hat

How your money helps

£100

could help provide access to sport and recreational activities so people with a learning disability can socialise and break the loneliness and isolation they face. 

£250

could help us influence utility companies and banks so they provide vital information in a clear and simple way so people with a learning disability understand the impact the cost of living crisis will have on them. 

£500

could help us create mental health resources in a format that is accessible for people with a learning disability who are struggling with their wellbeing.