A determined fundraiser inspired by
one of the young people we educate
and care for has taken on a marathon
challenge.
Jools Montague ran the Virtual
London Marathon in October
fundraising for Prior's Court, after
being inspired by her friends Matt
and Suzanne (Zan) Robinson
whose son Zac is a residential
student at Prior's Court.
Through her efforts, Jools, pictured
left, raised more than £1,500,
comfortably eclipsing her £1,000
fundraising target.
Ahead of the challenge, the young people of Prior's
Court featured in a "good luck" video for Jools with
messages given using a variety of communication
systems.
Jools, who is a co-director of a NLP company, said: "I
was very nervous before starting the marathon and it
took a few miles to calm myself down and get into a
rhythm.
"Although it was the virtual marathon, I was
incredibly lucky to have my partner and children at
certain points along the way to throw jellybeans and
water at me!
"I hit the 'wall' a couple of times, and when I did, I
remembered why I was doing it and smiled at the
beautiful messages I had received from the young
people at Priors Court.
Matt and Zan's son
Zac has autism,
and due to the
complexity of his
condition, requires
one-to-one care
specialist care.
Zac, has been
a residential
student at Prior's
Court since 2019.
Jools has
known Matt for
six years and
earlier this year she invited him on to
her podcast to speak about his family's
experience of complex autism and their journey to
Zac coming to Prior's Court. On the podcast, Jools
revealed to Matt that due to the power of his story,
she would be running the Virtual London Marathon
for Prior's Court.
Karen White, our Head of Fundraising, said: "We are
incredibly grateful to Jools for her efforts and her
generosity in choosing to fundraise for Prior's Court.
My thanks also go to Matt for speaking so eloquently
on the podcast about his family's story and so
introducing Jools to our work.
"As a charity, funds raised for us help us to fund
transformational projects, pay for specialist
equipment and activities and help ensure we can
make a real difference to the lives of our young
people and their families."
Prior's Court Foundation, Hermitage, Thatcham, Berkshire RG18 9NU
01635 247202 • mail@priorscourt.org.uk • www.priorscourt.org.uk
Company Registered in England and Wales Number 3583324 • Registered Charity Number 1070227
Matt and Zan's son
Matt and Zan's son
Marathon fundraising
challenge inspired by family
One of the latest
additions to the
Newbury shopping
scene marked its grand
opening with a donation
to Prior's Court.
Home Bargains opened a new
store in Newbury Retail Park in
October and opted for Prior's
Court as its chosen charity to
receive £2,000 to mark the
occasion.
Jill McDonagh, our Corporate
Fundraising Manager who
helped offi cially open the store,
said: "We are extremely grateful
to Home Bargains for this very
generous donation to mark the
opening of its new store.
"This donation will help us
with building a brighter,
more independent future
for these young people who,
due to the complexity of
their needs, require 24/7
care and support. Money
raised for us helps us to
fund transformational
projects, pay for specialist
equipment and activities,
and help ensure we can make
a real difference to the lives
of our young people and their
families."
Store's opening donation