Charlie Compton

Please support my Ambitious Challenge!

On the 22^nd June, I will be cycling 220 miles, from Manchester to London, in a single day. This is a huge personal challenge, and one I am undertaking to challenge myself and raise money for charity, Ambitious About Autism.

 As someone who is autistic, I went through childhood knowing I was different, feeling weird, an outsider, and I could not understand why! My social skills were poor, still can be too. I struggle to maintain eye contact, with hints, with assumptions. I also struggle with noise, and crowds, and have to plan days where I see no one to mentally reset. I hid my true self, my passions, just trying to fit in. I also ended up hating school. I love to learn as some of you are aware (I am currently studying a Masters), but education within the mainstream school setting was horrible. I was unaware I could be autistic until I was 26, and finally diagnosed at 33. It was a relief to know, but also a little late. I had lived unaware why I am the way I am, hiding my true self, trying to fit in. No child should ever have to do that, to go through what I went through. They should be able to be their true, authentic selves, with support and understanding. Ambitious about Autism is the national charity standing with autistic children and young people. They champion rights, campaign for change and create opportunities for autistic young people and their families. They also run 3 autism specific schools, removing some of the pressures of mainstream schooling.

 Please consider donating to this cause, one close to my heart, to help diagnosed autistic children, and those needing a diagnosis. You will also see me try and tackle the biggest challenge I have ever undertaken!