Member Article

Actor Simon Lennon Becomes Walk For Autism's 3,000th Walker Ahead Of This Years Campaign

Bridgerton and Emmerdale star Simon Lennon has become the 3,000th person to pledge their support to this year’s Walk for Autism campaign, which kicks off in just four weeks.

The scouser will join participants from up and down the country to take part in the event, which is in its fifth year, with Autism Initiatives hoping it will be the biggest one yet, with more than £200,000 in sponsorship being raised so far.

Those involved will walk 10,000 steps per day for eight days from March 26 up until World Autism Acceptance Day on April 2 to raise funds that go towards providing vital support and community projects for autistic people and their loved ones.

Last year, the campaign collectively saw an impressive 194 million steps walked and raised more than £621,000, making it the most successful year to date.

Simon said: “I’m so happy to be involved in Walk for Autism again - it’s a really fantastic initiative that not only provides essential funds for projects but also promotes autism acceptance and understanding more widely.”

Walkers can sign up on the charity’s website and begin their fundraising straight away, with Walk for Autism providing helpful tips on some fun and varied ways to raise money.

Head of Enterprise at Autism Initiatives Jon Gordon said: “We are delighted to reach 3,000 signups for our fifth annual Walk for Autism campaign and would like to thank everyone – including Simon – for doing their bit. Every year continues to show us just how amazing people are and how willing they are to support others; despite how tough the last few years has been for everyone.

“Passing these milestones is really important, as the money that is raised funds innovative specialist autism projects across the UK and Ireland.”

Autism affects more than 700,000 people in the UK and Ireland each year. Walk for Autism is a campaign led by charity Autism Initiatives Group who have been working to improve the lives of autistic people and their families since 1972.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Maria Cochrane .