Angela and Becks Norton

Please support my Ambitious Challenge!

We will be cycling 220 miles in a single day on Sunday 22 June 2025. Starting in Manchester and finishing in London, we'll be leaving my limits behind to raise vital funds for Ambitious about Autism.

Ambitious about Autism is the national charity standing with autisitc children and young people. They champion rights, campaign for change and create opportunities for autistic young people and their families.

On Sunday, 22nd June, my daughter Rebecca and I will be setting off on a journey of 220 miles, cycling from Manchester to London — all in a single day. It’s a physical and mental challenge, no doubt, but it’s one we’re embracing in support of a cause that’s incredibly close to our hearts: Ambitious about Autism.

This ride is more than just a personal challenge. It’s a tribute to the strength, resilience, and beauty of neurodivergent individuals and the families who support them every single day. For our family, this is deeply personal.

Our journey began shortly after our son’s second birthday, when we first noticed that he was different. What followed was a long and painful road filled with uncertainty, heartache, and countless unanswered questions. Despite seeking help from numerous professionals, it wasn’t until he was 17 years and two months old that he finally received a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome.

Those years in between were some of the hardest we’ve ever faced. Our son struggled — especially within mainstream education, where he was often misunderstood, excluded, and isolated. He rarely received the invitations or friendships so many take for granted. Watching him navigate this world, feeling so alone, was heartbreaking.

As parents, we did our best, but we often found his behaviour difficult to understand or manage. Our daughters, too, were affected — family outings were frequently cut short, and many moments were missed or reshaped because of the challenges we were all navigating. Yet through it all, they remained his greatest allies — compassionate, patient, and always there. Their unwavering love and understanding were, and continue to be, extraordinary. All three of our children are incredible human beings, and we are endlessly proud of them.

Things began to change when our son was accepted into Witherslack School for boys in Grange-over-Sands. There, he was truly seen. The team provided him with the support, empathy, and guidance he so desperately needed. They helped him believe in himself again. And slowly, he began to thrive.

Today, he is a husband, a father, and a successful professional. He embraces life with the courage and perspective that come from living as a proud “neurospicy” adult. The challenges he overcame shaped the remarkable man he is now — and we are honoured to be his parents.

By supporting Ambitious about Autism, we are giving back to a community that has given us so much — and helping create a brighter, more inclusive future for other families walking a similar path.

Thank you for supporting us, and for helping make a difference. Every mile we cycle is fuelled by love, hope, and a deep belief that every neurodivergent child deserves to be understood, accepted, and celebrated.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Angela & Rebecca