AN Exmoor teenager is embarking on a walking challenge to encourage acceptance and understanding of autism.

Will Thomas, aged 14, of Vicarage Court, Timberscombe, is well-known in the village for his annual fund-raising activities for charity.

This year, the cause is a charity close to Will’s heart after his autism diagnosis last summer.

He is supporting the Autism Initiatives Group, a charity which works across the UK and Ireland, and aims to raise £250 by walking 10,000 steps each day for eight days.

The challenge will start on March 26 and continue until World Autism Acceptance Day on April 2.

Home-educated Will said: “I would like to raise vital funds to help support other children and adults just like myself and my two sisters, Holly, 10, and Ivy, five.

“The money I raise will be used to help autism projects around the UK.

“I enjoy walking in the countryside and I hope to reach my fund-raising target.

“I want to thank my local community for their kind donations so far and for their ongoing support.”

His mother, Katy Thomas, said: “He would like to raise vital funds to help raise awareness, acceptance, and to help adults and children with autism to gain much-needed help and support around the country.

“Will is so grateful for the support he has had from the Timberscombe residents and the local community over the last couple of years.

“He enjoys raising money for charities and sends thanks to everybody who supports him on his fund-raising adventures.

“He is aware that times are hard for everybody and only asks for support if you can.”

Will has been training and walking the countryside around Timberscombe to practice and prepare himself for the big week.

There will be a collection pot in Timberscombe Post Office with a sponsor form for anybody who wants to support Will, or they can do so by visiting https://www.walkforautism.co.uk/fundraisers/williamthomas.

Thousands of people will be taking part in the walking challenge, which is the sixth to be held by Autism Initiatives Group.

Nearly 4,000 people stepped up to the challenge in 2022, which was the charity’s 50th anniversary, and together raised more than £400,000 with a total of 211.6 million steps.

Autism affects more than 700,000 people in the UK and Ireland and Walk for Autism fund-raising manager Liz Oakley said: “This campaign is one of the biggest events of the year at Autism Initiatives Group.

“The campaign is so special to our team, as we see how much of an impact it makes every year.

“It really does help to improve the quality of life of the people we support.

“It is also a brilliant opportunity to spend time outdoors and improve mental and physical wellbeing.

“It is important to us that the challenge is inclusive to all abilities, so whether you opt for short walks each day, walk the dog with family and friends, or take on a long-distance hike, the challenge can work around you.

“Walk for Autism also includes steps from everyday activities, so every step counts and makes a difference.”

For more information, or to sign up visit www.walkforautism.co.uk.