~ Thanks ~ 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

~ Please Donate , it’s Safe ~ 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

~ What I am Going to do ~ 

As some of you may recall, last summer I took part in the Prudential RideLondon 100 mile cycle event to raise money for charity.

My chosen charity was the National Autistic Society and I raised over £700 for them.

This year I have decided to take part in TWO events to raise money for the same charity.

The first event takes place in a few days, on 8/9th June, during which I will ride through the night for a distance of 100 kilometres. This event is called Nightrider.

The second event (the same event I took part in last year) is called the Prudential RideLondon 100, during which I and thousands of others will ride 100 miles through London and Surrey.

This year I am hoping to double the amount of money I raised last year (two events, twice the effort = (I hope) twice the funds for a worthy cause)

So here’s my official JustGiving fundraising page; so you will be able to donate with your donation going directly to the National Autistic Society.

I (and of course the beneficiaries) will be most grateful for any amount you can afford to give.

~ The Events ~ 

(1) Nightrider: (completed on Sun 09 Jun 2019)

https://www.nightrider.org.uk

(2) Prudential RideLondon:

https://www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk/events/100/

I will of course update you after each event to let you know how I got on.

~ Last Year & Inspiration ~

You’ll see a few photos on this fundraising page, the photos show:

* participating in last year’s Prudential RideLondon 100 mile ride

* myself and fellow participants with our medals

* meeting celebrity (former footballer, and pundit) Steve Bright

* my inspiration 

* presenting the National Autistic Society with a cheque representing the cash sum I raised (sponsorship form and collection bucket)

* wearing our campaign t-shirts

I hope you enjoy the photos 

~  PURPOSE? ~ 

To ask for your assistance in helping support 700, 000 people (and if you include their family members we are talking about approximately 2.5 million people)

WHO AM I ASKING YOU TO SUPPORT?

People who have ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder)

WHAT IS AUTISM?

Autism is a lifelong, developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them.

Difficulties:

* persistent difficulties with social communication

* persistent difficulties with social interaction

* restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviours, activities or interests

To the extent that they limit and impair everyday functioning.

Autism is a "spectrum" disorder. This means that each person is affected in different ways and to different degrees.

SOME STATS

34% of children on the autistic spectrum say the worst thing about being in school is being picked on

17% of autistic children have been suspended from school (and 48% of those were suspended three or more times)

Only 16% of adults on the autistic spectrum are in full-time paid employment, and only 32% are in some kind of paid work

Around 25 per cent  of individuals living with autism spectrum disorders are non-verbal. That is, they cannot functionally communicate with others using their voice.

Autistic individuals are often vulnerable to poor influences, so unfortunately many come to the attention of the criminal justice system.

WHAT HAS INSPIRED ME TO HELP?

A beautiful boy , whose smile brings joy to everyone he meets.

He had a very poor start in life, further complicated by a number of social difficulties and additional health concerns; and all of this in addition to a  diagnosis of ASD (autistic spectrum disorder).

Over the last two years , with the help of numerous loving people and dedicated professionals he has made great progress. He has been an inspiration, overcoming many difficulties much earlier than anticipated to the surprise of many,  myself included.

SO WHAT AM I GOING TO DO TO HELP PEOPLE LIKE HIM AND HOW CAN YOU ALL HELP?

Although, I learnt to ride a bike just TWO-AND-A—HALF years ago I have been inspired to do a 100 kilometres cycle ride followed about eight weeks later by  a 100 mile cycle ride to raise awareness and funds for the National Autistic Society to assist them in their work  to make the lives of those on the autistic spectrum a lot less difficult.

Please, if you can, sponsor my efforts by donating to this worthy cause.

THANK  YOU.

Regards 

Paul