Lecturer takes to saddle to raise cash for autism charity
By Jill Dando News
A keen cyclist from The University of Manchester is taking to the saddle to raise money for an autism charity.
Medical Law and Bioethics Lecturer Dr Jonathan Lewis, from Manchester University’s Department of Law and Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, is raising funds for Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland.
The charity trains dogs and places them with children with autism. The animals enable the children to go outside safely and reduce their anxiety, providing a vital lifeline for children and their families.
The charity also raises autism awareness among the general public by holding workshops, school talks and large events.
Keen cyclist Jonathan recently decided that as he approaches his 40th birthday later this year, he will replace gruelling competitions with long-distance charity rides.
Talking to https://www.manchester.ac.uk he told how this summer, he will be taking part in four events. The first - which has already taken place - is the North Down Coastal Challenge.
Then Jonathan will travel to France for a 48-hour fly-by trip to take on the Gran Fondo Col de la Loze - a 117km route with 4377m of elevation and two ascents of the infamous Col de la Loze, known as the country’s toughest climb.
Are you doing something to help people or make the world a better place to live in? Let us know news@goodnewspost.co.uk
In August he’ll take part in the Inishowen 100, Northern Ireland's premier sportive run covering a hilly 100-mile course along the scenic Wild Atlantic Way.
A week later, he will round off the summer with the Lap the Lough sportive - a 150km route around the beautiful but environmentally threatened Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland.
To add to the challenge, he aims to complete the Inishowen 100 in under six hours – if he manages this, he will personally match the total amount of donations he receives from others.
Jonathan told reporters at https://www.manchester.ac.uk: “As someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder and with family members who are severely autistic, I know only too well the huge challenges that children with autism and their families can face on a daily basis over many years”, said Jonathan.
“Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland is an incredible organisation, supporting children with autism to bridge the gap between their homes and the outside world.
“My aim is not only to support the organisation in delivering on its mission, but also to hopefully get its name and presence out there to more people. Dr Jonathan Lewis„
He will record his experiences during all four events using a GoPro camera, and plans to compile a video towards the end of the summer.
To support Jonathan in his series of challenges, visit www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/JonathanCarsonLewisCycle4Autism.
For more from Jill Dando News click here
