Manchester lecturer takes to saddle to raise money for autism charity
A keen cyclist from The University of Manchester has decided to take to the saddle to raise money for an autism charity.
Medical Law and Bioethics Lecturer Dr Jonathan Lewis, from the University’s Department of Law and Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, has taken part in amateur road cycling races for many years. However, as he approaches his 40th birthday later this year, he has now decided to replace these gruelling competitions with long-distance charity rides.
This summer, he will be taking part in four events. The first – which has already taken place – is the North Down Coastal Challenge. Then Jonathan will travel to France for a 48-hour fly-by trip to take on the Gran Fondo Col de la Loze – a 117km route with 4377m of elevation and two ascents of the infamous Col de la Loze, known as the country’s toughest climb.
In August he’ll take part in the Inishowen 100, Northern Ireland’s premier sportive run covering a hilly 100-mile course along the scenic Wild Atlantic Way. A week later, he will round off the summer with the Lap the Lough sportive – a 150km route around the beautiful but environmentally threatened Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland.
To add to the challenge, he aims to complete the Inishowen 100 in under six hours – if he manages this, he will personally match the total amount of donations he receives from others.
The charity he is raising funds for is Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, which trains dogs and places them with children with autism. The animals enable the children to go outside safely and reduce their anxiety, providing a vital lifeline for children and their families. The charity also raises autism awareness among the general public by holding workshops, school talks and large events.
“As someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder and with family members who are severely autistic, I know only too well the huge challenges that children with autism and their families can face on a daily basis over many years”, said Jonathan.
He will record his experiences during all four events using a GoPro camera, and plans to compile a video towards the end of the summer.
To support Jonathan in his series of challenges, visit www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/JonathanCarsonLewisCycle4Autism.
