INTREPID trekker Emma Jenkins has said a big thank you to the charity which has supported her through her sons’ autism after raising more than £3,000 through a sponsored hike.

Jamie Jenkins, seven, finally said his first word two years ago after the National Autistic Society helped Emma come to terms with his condition and that of her youngest son Joe, three.

Emma, from East Swindon, and friend Anna Reeves, 38, from Wootton Bassett, walked along the Jurassic Coast between July 16 and 18, raising £3,250 for the society.

The 24-mile challenge was Emma’s idea and she enlisted the help of friend and staunch charity supporter Anna, despite the event taking place over her birthday.

“It wasn’t quite what Anna had in mind for her birthday but I am so glad she came,” said Emma, 29. “She was the driving force when I felt I couldn’t go on any more and I think she really got me through it.”

The challenging course took the duo up hill and down dale along the World Heritage coastal path from Durlston Head to Durdle Door, in Dorset.

Anna said: “It wasn’t easy but when you have that massive hill in front of you, you just remember what you’re doing it for and find the willpower to carry on.

“When I think of what the National Autistic Society has done for Emma with Jamie and Joe, there was no way I was going to turn down the chance to give something back.”

The event was not without its tears as Emma admitted there were times when she wanted to stop.

“I did have a strop once or twice,” she said. “There was this one point where I got to the bottom of a hill only to see another one in front of me and all I could think was ‘where’s a bridge when you need one’”

Anna said: “I don’t think I’ll ever forget it and knowing what a difference that money will make to families like Emma’s – and children like Jamie and Joe – makes the sweat, the tears, the tiredness and the three days without a shower or a decent bed worthwhile. Bring on the next challenge.”