Liverpool-based charity Autism Initiatives sets off on its eighth ‘Walk for Autism’ campaign this Wednesday (26th March).
The yearly campaign, which last year attracted over 9000 participants and raised £797,000, takes place across eight days. It challenges participants to reach a step goal of 10,000 steps per day, or even more, should they wish, while providing flexibility to do it at their own pace.
The campaign works to bring supporters together, inviting friends and families of all abilities to join in and get involved, and participants can connect with each other by joining the charity’s Facebook group and sharing photographs and making the most of fundraising tips.
The money raised will help to fund a variety of autism projects across Liverpool and the UK, and has previously helped the charity hire more specialist members of staff and develop a greater focus on health, wellbeing and quality of life.
Fundraising manager Liz Oakley said: “It’s so exciting to see so many wonderful walkers out in their local communities wearing their Walk for Autism t-shirts with pride. Our aim is to get the whole of the UK walking and talking about autism.”
Autism Initiatives Group is an organisation that has been working to improve the lives of autistic people for the last 50 years and has grown into a national charity across the UK and Ireland.
The organisation was founded by local mother Pat Minshull who was dedicated to finding the right support for her son, and the charity now works to carry her legacy forward.
We contacted some participants in this year’s fundraiser for comment.
Sophie Richold said: “The reason for joining WfA was to spread awareness, make a difference, and most of all, make my children proud.
“My daughter is autistic and non-verbal so the walk is primarily for her, but my son opted to join in and make his sister proud as well.”
Frazer Ulwin said: “Doing the fundraiser means a lot to me as it shows that no matter the type of disability someone has, whether big or small, we should all be treated equally.”
Emma Crichton-Prince told us: “I went through high school getting no help because I only had “anxiety”, and then when I was 16 I was diagnosed with autism which opened loads of doors, and suddenly I had the help I needed to function “normally”.
“As soon as I saw this charity that helps adults with autism get the support that we all need, I just knew I had to do everything in my power to raise money and give other autistic adults the help and support that I’ve been lucky to receive.”
If you want to support the charity and join over 9000 walkers on their journey, you can get involved here:
Liz Oakley added: “Walk for Autism is really easy to get involved with, it’s a virtual event so you can walk at your own pace in your own time and our online walking buddies will be there cheering you along every step of the way.”
The challenge starts on 26th March 2025.
