THIRTEEN local people with disabilities and 11 supports took part in a sponsored abseil this month as part of Wirral Mencap’s Gateway Awards Programme.

The Gateway Award is an accessible partner of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, specifically designed for people with a learning disability.

The local programme is run by Wirral Mencap in partnership with Cambridge Road Day Centre.

It supports adults with a learning disability to develop new and existing skills, reach personal goals and contribute to their communities.

The Gateway Award supports adults with a learning disability to develop new and existing skills, reach personal goals, and contribute to their communities.

Like the Duke of Edinburgh Award, it has bronze, silver and gold levels which are achieved through participation in a range of activities, challenges and volunteering.

One supporter who took part in the abseil on April 2, said: “The abseil was a great opportunity for participants to challenge themselves and overcome their fears. They were incredibly nervous to begin with but they did it.

“There was great camaraderie amongst the group and they all left with a smile on their face and a true sense of achievement.”

The funds raised  by the abseil will go towards an end of year award ceremony and celebration for all Gateway Award participants and their families – many who have never received formal recognition for their achievements.

A spokesman for Wirral Mencap said: “We would like to thank Paraclimbing specialists ‘OnThisRoc’ for supporting the event, and the Boardroom Climbing Centre in Queensferry for hosting the event.

“The centre has state-of-the-art equipment that allows disabled and non-disabled people to make a 26ft free-hanging abseil. “They also have a ramp that allows for wheelchair accessible abseiling.”

The Gateway Award is currently funded by the Morgan Foundation and John Moores Foundation.

To donate, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/gatewayawardabseil