Autistic man expands Legs-4-Hire to running challenges across South West

Ben Nicholas from Weston-super-Mare is taking on the Sid-Vally half marathon, a gruelling half marathon running challenge on 29thApril. He is raising funds for the National Autistic Society’s volunteer-run Exeter & District Branch, after they put out an appeal to help them fund their vital work.

This a new phase of Ben’s Legs-4-Hire challenges. Ben, who is autistic himself, is planning to do enter cycling & running events on behalf of different National Autistic Society branches and groups across the South West. All the branches and groups are volunteer run and rely on fundraising to continue their work supporting autistic people and their families.

Ben is passionate about improving public understanding of autism and support for local autistic people and their families. He volunteers as the chair of the North Somerset Branch of the National Autistic Society, which provides information and support, and runs a family group for all ages for the whole family, twice a month at the St Augustine’s Church Centre in Locking and a new adult peer support group at the Stables Games room in Weston.

Autistic people make up a huge part of society – around 1 in 100 people. Autism affects how someone communicates and interacts with others. Every autistic person is different and will have their own strengths and challenges. Some autistic people might need 24-hour care; others may need clearer communication or a little longer to do things at school or work. Without the right support or understanding, autistic people can miss out on an education, struggle to find work and become extremely isolated.

Ben Nicholas, Chair of the North Somerset Branch of the National Autistic Society, said: “I’m really excited to be launching Legs-4-Hire and hope the scheme will make a difference to families across the South West.  

“Far too many autistic people and their families don’t get the understanding or support they need and end up feeling isolated. I want to help change things, to create a better society for autistic people. This is why I and my fellow volunteers run our North Somerset branch and why I want to support the charity’s other branches. This is more important than ever during coronavirus, with so many autistic children and families needing help. I’d be really grateful for any donations.

“Better understanding and support could transform the lives of many autistic people and their families in North Somerset and across the South West.”

Find out more about Ben’s challenge and make a donation by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sid-valley-half-l4h

Find out more about the North Somerset Branch of the National Autistic Society and get involved here Exeter & district Branch