Sunderland man walks 500 miles and more for young city carers

He has walked up to four miles every day during lockdown – and more than 500 miles in total – to raise £2,100 to hold a celebration event for them once it is safe.

Max, 21, from Herrington, in Sunderland, was initially sponsored £1 by a relative for every walk he completed after the emergency restrictions were introduced in March.

After a few weeks he decided to donate the money towards young carers supported by Sunderland Carers Centre, in Thompson Road, where his mother works.

Support for his efforts has since grown and attracted a £1,000 donation from Paul Mackings, the chief executive of Cameron Hall Developments, who is also a patron of the centre.

Mam Julie Terris, who joins Max on his walks around the Herrington area, said: “It is an incredible gesture from a kind man and Max was so thrilled to find out.”

Max, who attends Springboard Futures, which provides further education and supported training to people with a recognised autistic spectrum disorder, learning difficulties or disabilities, is no stranger to Sunderland Carers Centre.

Since Julie joined the team in July 2017, he has helped out at summer fetes, charity coffee mornings and afternoon teas.

Carers chief executive Amanda Brown described Max as “a determined young man with a real zest for life and heart of gold”, adding: “Max is a wonderful inspiration to our team.

"His kind nature always shines through whenever we meet, this has been such a lovely thing to do and with Paul’s very generous support we will be able to work with Max and young carers to plan a really special event we are exceptionally grateful to them both.”

Nor is he taking a deserved rest yet.

Along with his mam, dad Cliff and Casper the cocker spaniel, he hopes to complete another 150 miles by September.

The celebration event will thank the city’s young carers, some as young as primary school age, for their efforts on behalf of relatives during lockdown.

Max’s appeal can be supported at www.sunderlandcarers.co.uk/donate/.

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