A CHELMSLEY Wood teenager will be going the extra mile with a twist in April to raise awareness of autism.
Alfie Ford has challenged himself to complete a series of tasks to mark Autism Awareness Month and raise funds for the National Autistic Society.
Previously, Alfie has taken on physical challenges including walking and cycling throughout the month and he has raised more than £3,500 in the past three years.
But this year he has added a twist.
Not only will Alfie be walking 15,000 steps every day in aid of the National Autistic Society but he will also be speaking at schools and businesses and taking on the Great Birmingham Run 10km in aid of Autistica.
Alfie has Autism as well as Dyspraxia and a rare condition called Pseudohypoparathyroidism Type 1A (PHP), which affects around one person in 100,000 people worldwide as well as Albright’s Hereditary Osteodystrophy.
He said: “I am very proud to have been fundraising and raising awareness for Autism since 2022. This year I will be walking 15,000 steps as well as many side events, which include speaking at schools and doing the Great Birmingham Run 10K raising money for the charity Autistica.
“My main fundraising efforts will be in aid of the National Autistic Charity which is a charity close to my heart being autistic myself.
“I would really appreciate any donations, big or small.”
Over the years Alfie has featured on national television and worked with Birmingham City FC.
He has also worked with Meriden and Solihull East MP, Saqib Bhatti, and has sat on a panel as part of the WMCA Reducing Disability Inequalities Summit.
Alfie has also won awards for campaigning and fundraising, such as the Inspirational Young Person award at the Solihull Civic Honours 2024 and the Fundraiser of the Year award at the Inspirational Youth Awards 2024.
Once again Alfie’s challenge is being backed by Mr Bhatti.
He said: “Alfie is an inspiration and a role model for young people. I have been pleased to raise his achievements in Parliament and in Prime Minister’s Questions. His efforts to raise funds and raise awareness to help others have not gone unnoticed.
“He overcomes any challenge he faces and is a credit to the Meriden and Solihull East constituency.
“I thank him again for letting me join in to help raise awareness for Autism and for taking the time to speak with me last week, to update me on the current progress of his charitable campaign.”
For more or to donate click here and for Alfie’s Great Birmingham Run challenge click here.
