My Activity Tracking
2,680
mi
My target 220 mi
Please support my Ambitious challenge!
Our daughter Evie was born in 2019, six weeks early, weighing just 1.2kg (2lb 6oz). From the very start, our journey was different — beginning with a long stay in hospital, followed by her diagnosis of Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome (RTS).
Alongside RTS, Evie was later diagnosed with autism. Since receiving that diagnosis, we have been learning about a world that is not set up for neurodivergent young people. Much of the public understanding of autism is still shaped by stereotypes, often based on boys. Girls, in particular, are incredibly skilled at masking their struggles, doing everything they can to fit in day to day — often at great personal cost.
Every parent wants the best for their child, and while nothing truly prepares you for parenthood, even less prepares you for the uncertainty that comes with additional needs. Not knowing what the future holds — how your child will cope, be understood, and find their place in the world — can sometimes feel like an overwhelming weight.
At the same time, Evie has brought immeasurable joy, happiness and fun into our lives. We are constantly in awe of her resilience, her character, and her determination. Our goal is simple: to ensure she is supported to flourish in a world that doesn’t always understand her.
The work that Ambitious about Autism does — supporting families and young people, conducting vital research, and lobbying for change — is more important than ever. In the current political climate, SEND provision and support for people with disabilities and additional needs are increasingly under scrutiny and at risk of being politicised.
On 28th June, I will be cycling from Manchester to London. It will be the longest ride I have ever undertaken and, without doubt, a huge challenge. But for many people living with autism, every single day presents challenges simply to get by in a world that wasn’t designed with them in mind.
By raising money through this ride, I hope to play a small part in helping to create a better, more inclusive future — for Evie, and for all autistic young people.
My Achievements
Shared page
Self-donated
Added a profile pic
Added a blog post
Received 10 donations
25% fundraising target
50% fundraising target
Fundraising target reached
50% distance target reached
Challenge complete!
Thank you to my Sponsors
£200
Mike Lowe
£100
Joe Harling
Good on ya Josh! Joe x
£100
Ben Webb
Fair play to you mate, good luck! X
£100
Dan Fathers
£100
Michiox
#waytogo 🚀
£100
Piers Shepperd
Good luck Josh. Enjoy!
£100
Anonymous
£75
Ian And Loz
I'm glad to see you have chosen your pirate outfit for the big day... Best of luck Mr... X
£53
Love You. Xx
That will be one sore ass. Xx
£53
Brew
Ride on Josh!
£53
Bryan Grant
Well done mate
£50
Cn
Nice one mate, great cause, best of luck
£50
Matt Napier
£50
Al Gurdon
Good luck with the ride Josh!
£50
Christina
Good Luck Josh!
£50
Liam Tucker
Good luck buddy, all for a good cause!
£50
Rob Craner
Sending love and best wishes Josh. Hi Josh - I do have to say that I found your pic ironic for me on a personal level as I am at the moment wearing a ‘pirate patch’ . Unfortunately I have recently lost my left eye to cancer. Anyway I thought I should mention it but this is yours and Evie’s journey. So I wish you every success, and I’m sure you’ll smash the ride. Much love,
£40
Derryth & Alex
Sending our love to you all
£30
Kelly Murray
Incredible cause! Good luck!!
£30
Auntie Carlene
We love you all. Best of luck Josh ❤️
£30
Tom T
Awesome
£28
Jan & Steve Hansen
We love you all. Cycle on! Love, Jan & Steve
£28
Jackie And Andy
Good luck Josh!
£28
Robbie Frater
Great cause and challenge. Sending you all my support!
£28
Etan Salomon And Dan Lavi
We love Evie and she's the coolest! Good luck Josh xx Lots of Love, Dan and Etan
£28
Toby Donovan
McGlyn posted this, so worthwhile I’m happy to chip in! Good luck on the ride mate!
£28
Laura
Amazing cause. Good luck on the ride! Love to you all from the Cookes. xXx
£28
Ian Razey
£28
Roly Oliver
Best of luck. Ride like the wind
£28
The Nevitt's
Go Josh!
£28
R Samuel
You are awesome!
£28
Stefano Serpagli
Great cause mate and hope this helps
£28
Tony Szabo
What a ride. Good luck Josh
£20
Tom Freeman
£20
Jay Poole
Awesome! Good luck!
£20
Sarosh Khan
Good luck, such a special cause x
£20
Bev Mcglade
Good Luck Josh, you will smash it!
£15
Louis
Good luck Josh!
£15
William Oliver
Go for it Josh, wish you a good trip.
£12
Joshua Lloyd
£12
Anonymous
£12
Dave French
Sending love to you all from Canada, Dave
Well done Josh for taking on this challenge and best wishes on 28th June. Mike