Getting on his bike to raise funds for the national charity for children and young people with autism was the most natural of steps for Rapha founder and Middleton client Simon Mottram.
“The passion, expertise and sheer ambition of Ambitious about Autism makes a vital difference to all the families whose lives they touch, and I’m very proud to be one of their ambassadors.” states Simon.
On Sunday 23 June, the ninth edition of the Rapha + Ambitious about Autism bike ride takes place – a gruelling 220-mile, single-day event that has raised over £1.5 million for the charity that is particularly close to Simon’s heart. Simon’s son Oscar, who is now 29, attended the TreeHouse School and Ambitious College, both part of Ambitious about Autism, the leading charity supporting young autistic people. This year, as every year, Simon will be pedalling hard and encouraging other riders from 5.00am until late in the evening, when the weary riders and fundraisers complete their journey from Manchester to central London.
The charity was originally founded in 1997 when a group of parents set up TreeHouse School – a time when children with autism faced little or no chance of receiving a full and rewarding education. Starting with four pupils, Ambitious about Autism has now supported thousands of young people.
“Ambitious about Autism have supported Oscar and my family for many, many years,” says Simon. “Raising funds for the charity by creating this extremely challenging bike ride was a fairly natural thing for me to do.”
“And the fact is, autistic people and young people with challenges – who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, economic uncertainty and reduced resources – need our support now more than ever. The charity’s mission – a world where autistic children and young people can be themselves and realise their ambitions – is one that I will continue to support and promote.”
Click here to find out more about the charity, the Manchester to London ride and other fundraising events