Connor Bates to cycle 65 miles around the New Forest for autism charity Positive Pathway Foundation

A MAN is cycling 65 miles around the New Forest in a day to raise money for a charity which helped him find fun and friendship.

Connor Bates joined Positive Path Foundation which offers high functioning autistic people aged 16-plus a chance to socialise, develop life skills and enjoy meet-ups and events.

It was founded by Sway mum Jane Atkinson, whose son is autistic, to help end the isolation and loneliness many autistic people suffer.

Connor has certainly found this is true for him saying: “I never thought I would find an adult social group that was appropriate for me. Luckily with the help of my family, I discovered PPF and right from the start when I joined last September, I made new friends and quickly felt like I belonged.

“My family and I were given such a warm and friendly welcome from Jane, Shelley and all the PPF family, so I signed up for nearly every social event on offer, including the residential next month. I feel very fortunate to have found this organisation and would highly recommend it.”

As reported, PPF is struggling to keep going due to a lack of funding from local authorities and the government.

Connor will embark on his cycling challenge tomorrow (Saturday) to help “this amazing charity”. He added: “I wanted to challenge myself physically, and I love cycling so I came up with the idea of a sponsored cycle.

“This will be the furthest I have ever cycled in one day. Cycling with me will be my dad, his best friend, my brother and two of my uncles.”

He has been training every week and is hoping for kind weather on Saturday.

To donate visit: bit.ly/3V8oF8y

For more information about Positive Path Foundation visit: positivepathfoundation.org