Today a dedicated team of walkers, a group of passionate volunteers from Serco are taking on a 23 mile trek from Warrington to Manchester. It may seem like a staggering physical endurance challenge, but for the community rallying behind them, it represents something much more important. They are fighting to keep a vital lifeline alive, Families United Warrington, which is a grassroots charity serves as a psychological and social anchor for families navigating life with a young person with a disability.
The walk, which was organised by Tara Savage, is to raise funds for Families United Warrington. Tara said online that: “it’s an incredible local charity that has supported my son and our family for so many years. Honestly i would never have been able to go back to work without their help, care and guidance.” It is her way of saying a big thankyou, for everything.
Families United are dedicated to supporting families with children with disabilities and advanced needs. Their mission stated on the website “is to create a welcoming and inclusive community where families can find connection, support and meaningful opportunities to thrive together.” They offer a regular programme of inclusive family activities and support, including: a peer to peer support group, wellbeing and health activities.
Families United has been supporting SEND families in Warrington since it was founded in 2003. they focus on creating a supportive and stigma free environment where parents and children can connect through shared experiences. The charity has recently celebrated a major milestone of being named a runner-up in the 2026 Selco community heroes initiative, which has provided funding to help secure and fit out a new dedicated community hub and café for local families.
The money raised by the this walk will go towards the big build project of their very own building they have finally secured. It is with hopes to turn the building it into a safe, fully accessible and permanent home, where children with disabilities and families can meet, play, learn, find support and belong. Tara stated online: “I want to help make it a reality before I leave, so this amazing work can carry on growing here long after I’ve gone.” Tara is moving her life across the world to Australia, so this is her farewell gift to the charity “I had to give back in the biggest way I can.”
Tara is walking the tough 23 miles, but not alone, she will be alongside her Serco colleagues every step of the way. They are all walking together for a cause that matters to so many families and have now reached over their target of £1,000 on the JustGiving that was set up for donations and sponsors. Every Penny donated goes straight to the build project, so it can open its doors and support families for decades to come.