Autism Jersey always appreciate funds being raised for us so that we can continue to fund the existing services and also to enable us to develop new services for people with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder and their families.  Here are some friends of Autism Jersey and how they are raising funds for us.

Gary Bowman did a sponsored cycle through Italy in aid of Autism Jersey in September and has raised £4,445 so far from his efforts.  Together with two friends, Paul Taylor and Andrew Malins, the trio decided over two years ago to "cycle Italy".  Since then, they were busy planning the trip and training.  Paul and Gary left Jersey on 24th September 2010 and met up with Andrew in Paris on the following day.  They then travelled by train to Munich, then Innsbruck and on to Brenner in Austria. 

The cycle started from the Brenner Pass, then down through Italy to Catania in Sicily which will be approximately 1,100 miles.  In all, he and his two fellow cyclists rode 1222 miles over a period of 20 consecutive days which averages out at approximately 100 km per day. 

The trio supported Autism Jersey and Breakthrough Breast Cancer with their cycle.  Gary's 15 year old daughter, Louisa, has Asperger Syndrome and Autism Jersey have provided the family with support and Andrew and Paul have family who have been afflicted with Breast Cancer, hence their reasons for wishing to support both charities. 

Gary was also being sponsored by his employer, Capco Trust Jersey Limited, who have raised money to support Gary's cycle and Autism Jersey by holding Dress Down Days.  RBSI Technology also raised money through the sale of obsolete equipment to support Gary and Autism Jersey.  You can also find out more from their website: http://sites.google.com/site/jerseybikers/

The photo to the left shows Gary and Paul receiving cheques from Kim Paterson from RBSI in the Isle of Man.

Ali Collins did a tandem skydive with Skydive Jersey on 1 June 2010 to raise money for Autism Jersey.  He landed near the Gunsite Cafe, Beaumont at about 7pm. 

Ali, who is 17 years old, is currently studying Psychology, English Literature / Language and Performing Arts A Levels at Hautlieu School.  His plans for the future are to go to university and to raise more awareness for children with autism and Asperger's. He chose Autism Jersey as he has Asperger's Syndrome himself and decided that he wanted to help children with the same condition. 

Ali said: "When people think about doing fund raising for charity, cake sales, non-uniform days and sponsored silences are the easiest options. But I decided to opt for a skydive because it is dangerous, courageous and different. Also, it shows how determined I am to help children with autism, because I have a bad fear of heights!"

Peter Nicolle took on a big challenge from 24 to 27 September 2009 - riding a bicycle from London to Paris in three days.  A director of Minerva Financial Services Ltd, Peter is married with two children and said that he hoped to raise both money and awareness for Autism Jersey.

He said: "When I saw this exciting adventure, I thought straight away that this could be an excellent way to raise money and awareness for Autism Jersey with the added dimension of the personal challenge.  While I am not too fetching in lycra, I was only too glad to assist in the wonderful work being undertaken locally by Autism Jersey.

Fraser Bentley pounded the Cornwall coastal path from 25 to 27 September 2009, with around 200 other competitors, in a three day event consisting of three off road marathons.  Fraser's route started at Padstow and finished at Land's End, having covered a total distance of 78.6 miles. 

Fraser works as a specialist trainer for the States of Jersey Police and says that his decision to support Autism Jersey was partly influenced by his work, as Autism Jersey run SPELL training for the States of Jersey Police.

Fraser said: "My training programme at the moment is very intense.  I am doing lots of road-running.  In the past, I have done the Jersey Marathon 2007, Relay 2008 and about 10 half marathons in Jersey.  I also completed the Itex Walk in 2007, coming in 19th in a time of 11 hours 40 minutes.  Two years ago, I did the two moor walk, Dartmoor and Exmoor. 

After the Itex Walk, I realised that long distance was something that I prefer to do as it is more the mental challenge of endurance running that appeals to me.  I now intend to do similar events to this, at least once a year."

Angus and Janet Taylor took on the challenge of trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp.  At 8,848m Everest is the highest mountain on Earth and is located on the border between the Sagarmatha Zone, Nepal, and Tibet in China.

The Taylors’ 13 day-adventure took the intrepid trekkers overland out of Kathmandu to the extreme high altitude of the Khumbu Glacier.   They flew up to Lukla (2800m), then climbed over the next 10 days to reach Everest Base Camp at (5300m) and ascend Kala Pattar (5545m).  

The Taylors were 4,500m above sea level for five days, facing temperature that range from 20 degrees to minus 20 degrees.

Well done to Angus and Janet, who raised a grand total of £5,433 from their challenge. 

A big thank you to all of our fund raisers.  If you would like to help by raising money for Autism Jersey, please click here for some more ideas and our sponsorship form.  If you are intending to use the Justgiving website to collect online donations, you can link your fundraising page directly to the Autism Jersey Justgiving page and the donations will be transferred directly to Autism Jersey on your behalf.