After climbing Mount Snowdon in 2022, a 12-year-old writer has set her sights on climbing England's tallest peak, Scafell Pike.
Lily Worboyes attends Writer's Room at Fairycroft House in Saffron Walden, which is part of Creative Walden.
The group works to support the confidence, creativity and mental health of talented young people, many of whom have neurological or other conditions.
Lily, who has been attending the group since was 10, has sensory processing disorder, which affects the way she experiences the world.
Due to her condition, Lily is constantly dealing with a barrage of sensory input with no effective filter, and sensory overloads can be painful and frightening.
A major impact of her condition is that touch is often intolerable, making everyday routines of washing, dressing and brushing hair difficult, and most fabrics and styles of clothes unbearable.
Speaking about Lily's involvement with Writer's Room, tutor Alice Brommell said: "This is not something Lily is doing because she no longer suffers from SPD, this is something she is doing despite it.
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"To think that the same 12-year-old that experiences pain while washing and dressing is now climbing physical mountains, is amazing and a true testament to her bravery."
Creative Walden was formed in 2017 by Paul Bellany, Roy Mason and Lee Dorrington.
Paul said: "As tutors we are beyond proud to have writers like Lily in our group."
Lily's mum Laura, who previously climbed Snowdon with Lily and will be joining her on her climb, added: "My daughter Lily is unique and incredible.
"Recently the funding for the group was cut by 50 per cent, leaving the fantastic and dedicated organisers with no option but to scale back the groups’ activities.
"In response Lily and I will be climbing Scafell Pike. We are raising money for Writer's Room, who have given so much support to us since Lily joined."
Writer's Room operates at Fairycroft House every Wednesday evening, and caters for eight to 18-year-olds.
Lily has already exceeded her initial fundraising target of £1,500 to support the group.
To donate go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lilyandlaura.
For more information go to https://creativewalden.co.uk/writers-room/.
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