A local gas engineer is taking on 50 challenges in celebration of his 50th birthday to raise vital funds for Teddington based disability charity Ruils, which provides support services for local families with children with additional needs.

Twickenham based Don Lynch has been a long-time supporter of Ruils and wanted to find a way to support the charity whilst celebrating this milestone.

Anyone who sponsors him can nominate him to take on a specific challenge.

So far he has been challenged to learn how to say hello in 50 languages, bake a cake and stay off his phone for a day.

He is supporting Ruils' Sitting and Befriending service for young people with special needs. The service enables disabled young people to get out and about and enjoy activities of their choice, with someone outside of their family.

This helps them to develop some independence and develop their social skills, while also giving parents a much needed break from their caring responsibilities.

Don is hoping to reach a fundraising target of £1000 and can be sponsored and challenged by clicking HERE

Don Lynch said: "I know how many challenges the families that Ruils support face on a daily basis so I am up for taking on any challenge myself- mean or nice!

I will try it and will provide photographic evidence!"

Cathy Maker, CEO of Ruils added: "Don has taken on a number of challenges for Ruils in the past, but this one takes the cake.

"It is only with the support of people like him that we are able to fund the Sitting & Befriending service. This vital service makes a huge difference to local children and young people with additional needs."

The service, which was originally funded by the local council, sadly had its funding cut in 2015, and has had the challenge of raising £30k a year ever since in order to keep it running.

Due to coronavirus pandemic social distancing rules, the service was on hold, however it is opening up again in September and we are very excited to be getting our befrienders back out in to the community.