Matt Collings

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