Disabled Peterborough mum to take on 10,000 steps a day ‘walk for autism’ challenge

Chloe Rosser, who is a mum of three from Netherton, will be taking on the walk for autism challenge between March 26 and April 2 to raise both awareness and money to support fellow families in the UK who have a child on the autistic spectrum.

The challenge is organised by Walk for Autism and challenges participants to walk 10,000 steps each day for the eight days between March and April. It is all done virtually, with steps being counted via a smartphone app.

The money raised through sponsorship will then in turn be used by Autism Initiatives Group to deliver a range of services including supported living, residential homes, community resource centres, social enterprises offering work places and short breaks services. Chloe’s son, George (4), was diagnosed with autism last year, aged three years old and his condition means he suffers from non-epileptic seizures and has learning difficulties. Since his diagnosis in August, the family, which includes dad Simon and George’s older sisters Ruby and Poppy, have been discovering a number of the vital services available to families but also the incredibly long waiting lists.

She said: “My two main reasons for doing this is to first raise awareness, autism is something nobody on my Facebook timeline speaks about, I think it is still a taboo subject. I post it all over my profile now to try and make people more aware.

“I also want to raise funds to support families who have a child on the autistic spectrum. It has been a tough year for charities and I know from speaking to them that donations have dropped significantly. The more money organisations such as this receive, the more services can be provided which is important as we know ourselves how frustrating the long waiting lists for pediatricians and speech therapists etc can be.

“They are very supportive and do offer online support while you wait and regular check-ins but Covid and the lack of funding this has brought has set everything back years.”

The 10,000 steps a day will be an especially tough challenge for Chloe given that she has been diagnosed with both Fibromyalgia, a long term pain condition that can cause extreme tiredness, muscle stiffness and headaches, and arthritis. She is determined to complete the challenge though and will be walking wherever possible, including the one and a half mile school run which is usually done in the car,

“She added: “I know it’s really tough, especially around days six and seven but I am really determined. All of us taking on the challenge have been talking and sponsoring each other, which has given everyone a boost. The charity also get in touch regularly and it’s great to have the support of so many, including George’s nursery.”

To support Chloe’s walk for autism, visit: www.walkforautism.co.uk/fundraisers/chloerosser/walk-for-autism.

You can also follow Chloe’s journey on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/747101129328312