My name is Murray MacDonald, I am 25 and have autism. Last year I started up a new campaign called Autism on the Water, an awareness campaign to raise awareness of autism through yacht racing and sailing in general and encourage people on the spectrum to discover the benefits of the sport. I have been sailing for over 12 years full time and on and off when I was a child having a come from a strong sailing family.

Since I started AOTW last year, I have been flabbergasted at the amazing following through Facebook, we have done so much throughout the year such as raising awareness at various events on the water around Scotland which included having a full autistic team at the Hunter 707 UK National Championships. We have also hosted a special autism sailing day where we invited people on the spectrum to come and try sailing, have a watch of our video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvQT8HPcxQA&t=9s

I have been looking at different ways to fundraise for the campaign and so I have decided to take part in the Pedal for Scotland Ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh to help raise money for Autism on the Water. I started this campaign because as a autistic person I have always struggled with social skills, confidence skills and problem solving skills. Sailing has given me these three very difficult talents and starting this campaign has helped me give something back to others.

If you can help us fulfill some of our exciting projects we have planned for next year, you are helping me embrace the difference as we sail!

Thank you for reading this and please give our Facebook Page a like!

https://www.facebook.com/AutismOnTheWater/

Murray :)