Ignite student to cycle 100 miles in support of Autism Family Support

An Ignite Sport student will cycle 100 miles to raise funds for an Oxfordshire charity dedicated to supporting people living with autism.

Football fanatic Alex will pedal his way through this month, averaging more than three miles per day, to raise funds for Abingdon-based Autism Family Support.

Initially, he planned to raise £100. But pupils and colleagues have rallied around Alex’s outstanding effort with his fundraising total exceeding £250 in the first week.

The Ignite student, who has autism, studies an alternative education programme delivered by our team of tutors and coaches. Currently, Alex is working towards completing functional skills programmes in maths and English while developing key life skills and establishing a strong understanding of the sports sector.

Tutor Kyle Bestley, who works with Alex daily, said his fundraising efforts have captured the imagination of the entire team.

“Alex is a determined individual and always puts 100% into every task he is set,” said Kyle. “His charity cycle ride through the month of December epitomises his character and demonstrates how determined he is to help others in a similar position to himself.

“Alex is already clocking up the miles and his fundraising target was smashed within days of the challenge starting. He’s now working towards hitting the £300 target which would be a fantastic achievement.

“The weather hasn’t exactly been kind to Alex at the start of this challenge, but we’re all very proud of his work and would like to wish him the best of luck for the remainder of the month.”

Alex’s bespoke programme with Ignite Sport sees him support staff at Oxford City Football Club on matchdays to develop confidence and communication skills.

Star Hoops’ player Josh Ashby is among those supporting Alex’s cycle ride.

He said: “I see Alex on site most days and his passion for football and sport in general is infectious.

“His challenge is not only directly impacting a worthwhile local cause, but also helping people in his position to understand what can be achieved despite the challenges they may face.

“I look forward to tracking Alex’s progress and can’t wait to see how his challenge develops.”

Autism Family Support supports children and young people living with autism and their families to be happy, health and to achieve and thrive. The charity works to nurture, enable and inspire the autism community via information for parents, youth groups and activities, and training.

Further information about the charity’s work is available here Autism Family Support Oxfordshire | Home (afso.org.uk).

To support Alex’s fundraising effort, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/100milesforautism?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=100milesforautism&utm_campaign=pfp-whatsapp&utm_term=e1fe6f57b6db40d8b6b130ddf5b25173