Jez and Anya Pigden

Please support my Ambitious challenge!

On Sunday 28 June 2026 Anya and I will ride 220 miles in a single day from Manchester to London. A test of endurance, a journey that demands everything, and gives back more. 

We are taking on the Ambitious 220 Challenge to raise funds for Ambitious about Autism, the national charity standing with autistic children and young people. For over 20 years we have lived in this world, seeing the difficulties that people like Max (my son and Anya's brother) have in accessing education and other opportunities, ones that others take for granted. 

This will be my fourth time riding this incredible event (but trust me it doesn't get easier, especially as I get older and the body starts to creak more), but Anya's first. It will be her longest ride by some considerable margin. Last year I was mechanical support and met some amazing people, who pushed themselves so hard to get to the finish.  I was inspired by those people, and I feel very privileged that Anya and I can do this event together- hopefully we can push each other to get over the line! 

Too often autistic young people are unheard, unsupported, or shut out of opportunities. That can change. Every mile and every turn of the pedals helps create a world where autistic children and young people are accepted for who they are and given the chance to realise their ambitions.

This is more than a ride. This has purpose. Especially for us!

If you can, please consider donating to out page and join us in standing with autistic children and young people.