My Activity Tracking
0
mi
My target 220 mi
An Autistic Journey
Jack has been one of my best mates since we met at Loughborough University in 2003. He taught me many things, including how to be sociable, talking to girls and learning to take a joke (more on that later). Years later he married Lottie, and shortly after that he had two girls, Margot (6) & Gigi (4). I am very proud to say I’m Margot’s godfather. Margot, and Gigi more recently have been diagnosed with autism, and I know firsthand how amazing Jack & Lottie have been through this, but understandably it has been far from easy and plain sailing. Once Jack told me he was doing this ride to support Ambitious About Autism I signed up instantly, and am loving getting back on my bike training for this huge day in the summer (I even bought a new bike, and a lot of new kit).
At the same time little did I know that I would be embarking on my own personal discovery of autism. An initial assessment in early 2024 suggesting it was likely I was autistic was validating and liberating, helping me understand that various struggles I’d had (e.g. taking jokes) weren’t for other reasons. It suddenly all made sense. A recent full assessment confirmed the diagnosis and I’ve consequently never felt better about myself.
With Jack, Malcolm (Jack’s dad), Joe (Jack’s cousin) and about 200 other riders I will be cycling 220 miles in a single day on Sunday 22 June 2025. Starting in Manchester and finishing in London, we will raise vital funds for Ambitious about Autism.
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. This is for you, Margot, Gigi, Lottie & Jack x
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
£350
Alice Spani
£250
Anonymous
Vamos!!!!
£150
David Hardcastle
Good Work Matt !
£100
Matt Collings
£100
Marcus Bocock
Fantastic cause mate, pleasure to contribute. Now over to you for the hard bit…
£100
Cami Aka Frenchy
You go Matty!!! May the legs of Jeannie Longo be with you on this incredibly meaningful ride. #proudfrenchy <3
£100
Kathy Collings
Good luck. M and D
£100
Sir Jack Harrison
Best of luck dragging me from Manchester!
£100
Ps65
Great initiative Matty!!
£100
Harry Kent
Maybes aye
£100
Richard
Good luck Matty
£66
Pedro
Being fun to watch from afar your training and dedication - you will smash it !
£50
Rory Miller
Good luck Matt & team!
£50
Meady
Yes boys! What an epic adventure. You could just get the train but appreciate you offsetting your carbon footprint
£50
Greg
£50
Dan Hall
Great stuff mate, good cause
£50
Neil Moore
You’re my hero, and a better golfer than me! Good luck!
£50
David Webb
Great work chappie!
£50
Lawrence Peirson
Amazing feat to ride that far and for such a great cause! Well done!
£50
Lachlan
Go well Matt. Apologise for terrible exchange rate - this is a home deposit in Aussie dollars
£50
Trevor Stacey
Good luck Matt!!
£40
Michelle Durie
You got this cuz!!! Xxx
£40
Mary
Pedal with purpose — you’ve got this! 🚴♀️💪
£36
Katie Yanners
Good work Matt!
£30
Keri-anne
Good luck with your epic cycle!
£30
Ash Pabalkar
Good luck Matt!!
£25
Tim Mcloughlin
Enjoy beating the M6
£25
Caroline Moore
£25
Swaffle Brother
Swaffle that ride
£22
Anna Collings
Good luck & well done! I’ll send another £22 on completion!
£22
Anna Collings
Well done on completing your epic cycle!
£20
Brian Sheehy
£20
Tom Barnes
Best of luck MC - great cause. Endure and enjoy the long day in the saddle!
£20
Tatiana Cooke
Huge well done! Smashed it 💪
£20
Victoria Lovett
Good luck Matt & Team!
£20
Ella King
Go big man!
£10
Camilla Budd
Such a great achievement!! Well done Matt!
Well done Matt! Inspiring endeavour for a great cause. Congratulations.