A MUM who campaigned for a full-time day college for disabled adults so her son could continue his education has completed a 30-mile fundraising walk.

Alison Sheppard from Bridstow, near Ross-on-Wye, and her husband, John, started a campaign in 2012 to ensure their eldest son, David, could continue his education when he left school.

It paid off as in September 2013 a pilot scheme was started in Canal Road Day Centre which later developed into a permanent branch of the National Star in Harrow Road, which David, aged 22, attends.

The day services include a sensory-based curriculum, learning work place skills and speech and language therapy.

Although the inside is up to scratch, the charity wants to raise £25,000 to develop the outdoor area so students can grow flowers and vegetables and have an area to relax.

To help raise money, Alison and her other son, Michael, 21, walked from National Star's foundation house in Gloucester at 7.30am on Sunday and arrived at the branch in Hereford at 6.05pm.

Alison said: "National Star has transformed him. He’s a different boy, he never stops improving. I’ve never set boundaries for David, nor do they. We’ve tried to let him lead as normal a life as possible.

“David gets very anxious because of his autism but he’s very happy, loving and amiable."

David's disabilities were noticed when he was seven months old. He was diagnosed with epilepsy and autism and when he was 11, cerebral palsy. His parents were told he would never walk or talk. Today, he does both.

Alison said: “It is a difficult journey you go on. During that journey you meet some very special people who care for these children.

"David gives us a lot of joy but you never stop worrying about them. When you are with them it is alright but you know you have got to leave them eventually."

She gave up her job to look after David and said you always need to be on your guard.

She added: "Someone once told me it is like booking a holiday to Italy and ending up in France. It is not quite what you expected."

To sponsor Alison and Michael go to https://outdoorareaappeal.everydayhero.com/uk/alison