NATHAN SHERRATT COMPLETES SPONSORED 55 MILE WALK, RAISES OVER £1250 FOR DAISY CHAIN CHARITY

Nathan Sherratt, a semi-professional referee and regional business leader, has successfully completed his sponsored walk, raising over £1,250 for the Daisy Chain Project, a charity dedicated to supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Nathan chose to walk a total of 55 miles between various sports grounds across the North East to highlight the challenges of autistic and neurodivergent individuals living across the region. His route took him from the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough to St James’ Park in Newcastle, via Victoria Park in Hartlepool, The Riverside International Cricket Ground in Chester-Le-Street, The Stadium of Light in Sunderland, and Gateshead International Stadium.

Reflecting on the experience, Nathan expressed his passion for the project as well as the charity: “This walk has been very tough both physically and mentally, and also very rewarding. I take pride in being the first ever autistic trustee on the board at Daisy Chain, as it is a cause close to my heart. Seeing the support from the community has been incredibly inspiring, as it has allowed me to contribute to the fantastic work Daisy Chain does.”

“The journey started strong, especially the first leg from Middlesbrough to Hartlepool where I felt unstoppable despite the tough terrain. However, the 20-mile stretch to Chester-Le-Street was grueling. On the hottest day of the year, as the midday heat sapped my energy and blisters formed, my pace faltered. I treat the blisters and pressed on, though dehydration and stiffness hit hard on day two. A pivotal moment, I genuinely didn’t think I’d make it from there. Despite a slower pace, I succeeded in pushing through Sunderland and Gateshead, fueled by sugary snacks. Despite feeling physically sick, the final leg to Newcastle was a worthwhile battle, as growing up, I could have only dreamed of the support Daisy Chain provide to neurodivergent individuals and their families; every step was worth it.”

Since its inception in 2003, Daisy Chain has grown from a small community initiative to a significant regional service provider, assisting over 5,000 families annually. The charity’s holistic approach includes therapeutic animal therapy, social integration programs, and personalised support tailored to individual needs.

For more information about Daisy Chain and how to get involved, visit www.daisychainproject.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to Nathan Sherratt via LinkedIn where he can discuss his expertise regarding taking on a monumental challenge and fundraising for a meaningful cause.