A BOY from Conwy County who walked at least 10,000 steps each day from March 1 – April 2 last year to raise money to support autism projects is now the face of the campaign for this year’s challenge.
Matthew Lokier, 17, from Rowen, has a diagnosis of autism, and traits of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
He completed the Walk for Autism 2023 challenge, which also aims to improve the quality of life of people with autism, walking 303,011 steps and raising more than £700.
Autism Initiatives, the charity behind the challenge, has this year used Matthew’s story as an example for others to follow.
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Teenager from near Conwy walks 303,000 steps in a month for charity
Anwen Lokier, Matthew’s mother, declared herself “one proud mam”.
She said: “I'm so proud to say that he is playing a big part in the face of the campaign this year.
“Autism Initiatives were so impressed by Matthew’s story last year that they are using it in their packs that are sent out."
Matthew joined thousands of people across the UK and Ireland who also walked 10,000 steps a day between March 26 and April 2, 2023.
But he chose to start his own steps challenge more than three weeks earlier on March 1, to mark Autism Awareness Day – and will be repeating this in 2024.
Anwen added: “The challenge opens up for registration on January 22, but packs are already being sent out. This means that Matthew’s story will go out to everyone who registers for the challenge this year.
“It describes how Matthew went over and above the eight days to raise money, the private sponsorship, the letter from his MP, and more.
"If there’s a company who would be willing to sponsor Matthew (for this year's challenge, that would be great.”
Funds raised from the challenge have supported thousands of autistic individuals and funded many projects.
These projects typically encourage the pursuit of specialised interests, promote physical activity and help autistic adults and children to socialise in supportive communities.
The organisation was founded in the 1970s by Pat Minshull, a dedicated mother of a child with autism.
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