Ashley and his colleagues at Stansted Airport are taking part in a huge London - Brighton bike ride in aid of Autism Anglia.

One of the group’s 7-year-old daughter has recently been diagnosed with ASD as well as ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder. This has been a long time coming - they were initially told when she was 2 ½ years old that the paediatrician suspected ASD, and after a long battle to get her the right help and diagnosis, it finally happened. “Although it’s not a diagnosis we wanted for her, it has at least helped us in explaining with her the reasons she can feel the way she does, and now allows us to move forward with getting her the extra support she may need”

A member’s wife also works at Doucecroft School as an LSA and she took this job due to her experience with her daughter and it has turned out to be something she really loves and enjoys doing.

Training for the challenge is in full swing for the cycling enthusiasts as they are completing regular 25 mile rides and getting used to battling long hills. A few members recently went to the Isle of Wight to complete a whole 60-mile lap of the island, but this turned out to be much trickier than they’d anticipated. Over the course of the ride, the team gained over 4,000ft in elevation because of the sheer amount of hills which was such a challenge but they powered through and completed it nonetheless.

Ashley has completed the London to Brighton 3 times when he was younger but none of the other guys have attempted this specific ride. Craig would appear to have the most experience as he has completed the impressive Lands End to John O’Groates cycle.

“We all work together at Stansted Airport in the Capital Delivery team and I said I was going to do the ride and convinced them all it was a really fun day out and they should join and help raise some money. It is a good achievement to gain as well as a fun day out and we get to raise money for a great cause.”

The group have also designed a special cycling shirt which they will wear for the ride which is made to emulate the airport at Stansted Airport.

We’re so pleased that they are taking on this challenge for Autism Anglia and we wish them the absolute best of luck. The time, effort and dedication into doing something so selfless is amazing to see – thank you!

To donate to Ashley's challenge, please click below 

Ashley King is fundraising for Autism Anglia (justgiving.com)