‘Walk for Autism’ is a fundraising challenge that the charity based in Liverpool is inviting people of all ages and abilities to take on.
Autism Initiatives is hopeful that Walk for Autism 2024 will be another fantastic year of fundraising for autism projects across the UK and Ireland. Every year, the charity invites people to walk 10,000 steps a day, wherever they choose, throughout the nation. The challenge begins on March 26 and runs for eight days, ending on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day.
Over 5,000 walkers joined the Walk for Autism challenge in 2023 thanks to the campaign. Together, they raised £480,000 and totaled 160,000,000 steps. Each year, the funds raised support a variety of projects across the UK and Ireland. The charity is able to offer assistance from specialised staff members who are committed to promoting the health and wellness of individuals with autism and enhancing their quality of life through increased social opportunities, physical activity, and lifestyle modifications because of prior fundraising efforts.Â
In addition, participants in this year’s challenge are encouraged to follow the fun on TikTok and take advantage of helpful advice while on the go. The Walk for Autism team is thrilled that actor Simon Lennon, who was born in Liverpool and is well-known for his roles in Bridgerton and Emmerdale, has decided to continue supporting the campaign for a further year in order to inspire more walkers to begin tracking their steps in the spring.
Walk for Autism Fundraising Manager, Liz Oakley said:
“Our aim is to get everybody in the UK and Ireland walking and talking about autism. Walk for Autism is a really special event and we have a wonderful online community too, where participants can share fundraising tips and post that all important t-shirt selfie! As part of the campaign, we send everyone who takes part a Walk for Autism t-shirt when their fundraising page hits £20, or €20 if they are walking in Ireland. We are looking forward to making Walk for Autism 2024 the best year ever!”
Participants are encouraged to complete their steps at their own pace and in their own way. While some walkers track their steps on a treadmill, others prefer to take walks outside in the sunshine.
Autism Initiatives’ Head of Enterprise, Jon Gordon said:
“We are delighted to be launching the 2024 campaign. Fundraisers who take part in Walk for Autism are an inspiring and dedicated community of people who care about autism and want to help others – they are truly amazing!”
The charity Autism Initiatives Group, located in Liverpool, is the driving force behind the Walk for Autism initiative. For the past 50 years, the group has sought to enhance the lives of those with autism. Dedicated to finding her son the right support, Pat Minshull, a local mother, founded the organisation that is now a national charity throughout the UK and Ireland. The charity now carries on Pat’s legacy by collaborating with families and individuals who have autism.
Registrations open for Walk for Autism 2024 on 22 January. You can get involved here.
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