MORE than £6,300 was raised for the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) from a weekend of events at the Aurora Foxes Hospitality and Catering College, Minehead.

The weekend began on the Friday when two of the staff, learning support practitioner Charlie Hunt and front of house manager Amber Cole, ran the 21 miles from West Bagborough to the hotel.

They were joined by five staff from Hilton Hotels, with which the Aurora Group has enjoyed a partnership for the past 10 years.

The run, held to mark World Down Syndrome Day, was supported by Daniel Brice, from Channel Events.

On the Saturday, Foxes students joined the fun, collectively walking 21 miles for the charity.

The events concluded in the evening with a ‘Hilton Takeover’ of the Foxes hotel featuring a three-course sit down meal.

Among the guests attending the meal were Hilton’s UK and Ireland human resources operations manager Esther Brittan, DSA information officer Sande Nuttall, and award-winning theatre producer and DSA ambassador Lou Stein.

Aurora Foxes’ Principal Mark Costello said: “Once again, Hilton has demonstrated just how committed they are to encouraging and inspiring all young people to consider a career in hospitality.

“This weekend was a real team effort, with students, staff, and partners all coming together to deliver something we can be incredibly proud of.

“From the 21-mile run and the student walk to the Hilton takeover, it showcased what is possible when we work together with a shared purpose.”

Ms Brittan said: “This weekend was a powerful reminder of the positive impact inclusive employment and meaningful partnerships can have.

“We are incredibly proud to work with Aurora Foxes and to see the passion and talent of the students shine throughout the weekend.”

Ms Nuttall, whose daughter attends Foxes, said it had been a wonderful way to celebrate both World Down Syndrome Day and the partnerships which existed between her charity, Hilton, and Aurora Foxes.

She said: “The room was buzzing with positivity, from the students who talked about their favourite parts of their jobs, to the Hilton chefs enjoying working with them, and the proud sponsors and staff seeing what a difference the training college is making.

“The magnificent sum raised will help us to continue our work improving lives and opportunities for our community so the pipeline of talent to colleges and workplaces such as Foxes and Hilton continues for the future.”

Mr Stein, whose son attends Foxes, said: “The evening was a great example of a win-win for the community of people and families with Down's Syndrome and also for Aurora Foxes and Hilton.

“I think both organisations working together is so powerful in terms of training and employment, and empowers and our young people to be able to say, ‘Yes this can happen’.”

The Aurora Group was established in 2015 and is one of the UK’s leading providers of education care and support services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, working with more than 100 UK local authorities to provide special educational needs services.