Fundraiser takes on an epic challenge for The Wessex Autistic Society
| Published: 1st August 2008 16:34 |
The retired 65 year old set himself the challenge to ride 2008 miles in honour of the charity's 40th Anniversary this year, and to enable the charity to purchase some new educational and play equipment for the students of Portfield School.
On visiting Portfield School Alan was incredibly moved by the care and professionalism displayed by the staff and the friendly atmosphere about the place. He says: "As part of my role as president of the Poole Circle of the Catenian Association, I was able to choose a charity for a year and after visiting Portfield I was so moved I knew I wanted to raise money for them. I think that the support the charity provides is invaluable and I hope the money that I raise will enable this work to continue."
Alan has been riding his bike around the local area and has also used the bike machines at the Littledown Leisure Centre in Bournemouth, clocking up the miles. He is now well over half way and hoping to complete the journey next month by cycling the final 8 miles from his home to the school. Alan says: "I want to save the last eight miles for travelling to Portfield School because I wanted to mark it as a special occasion. I love all the riding as I know that each mile I do means more money goes towards a truly wonderful cause."
Not content with this challenge, Alan has also taken on a second challenge for the Society. Alan is encouraging 2008 people to cycle one mile for a £1 donation. He is even offering those who don't want to cycle, but who still want to take part, the easy option of asking him to ride their mile instead for a £2 donation to the charity. Alan says: "I kick started my second challenge at the Society's Balloons and Bubbles Bonanza last week, by taking a big red book down and encouraging people to sign up and have a go! My presidency in the Poole Circle runs up to April 2009, so by this point I'm hoping to have raised £20,000 with these two challenges."
Millie Paterson, Community and Events Fundraiser at the charity says: "The enthusiastic way in which Alan has chosen to raise funds for us is so amazing and I'd like to thank him on behalf of the Society for all of the commitment and dedication he has shown. We are thrilled that Alan has chosen to take on a second challenge and hope the general public really get inspired as every bit of money raised will go towards helping those with Autism across the region."
If you would like to support Alan by sponsoring him please visit www.justgiving.com/alanmcewen.
For more information on the Wessex Autistic Society please visit: http://www.twas.org.uk/
More Information
Local charity, the Wessex Autistic Society was formed 40 years ago by a group of parents of children with autism. It is a voluntary organisation, which aims to ensure that all people with autism and related conditions, and their carers, in the Wessex region, have access to appropriate education, care, support, and development services. The Society covers Dorset, Somerset, West Hampshire and Wiltshire.
The Society is committed to ensuring that people with autism should enjoy the same rights and privileges as the rest of the population, including the right to accessible and suitable activities.
