A neurodivergent woman from Hanwell will cycle 220 miles in under a day to raise vital funds for autistic children and young people.
Ellie Ritchie, 22, will join 179 cyclists taking part in Rapha’s Manchester to London (M2L) challenge on Sunday 28 June.
This year’s group is one of the largest in the event’s history.
Riders will leave the Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel at dawn, travel through the Pennines and Chilterns and finish at Rapha HQ in North London that night.
Ellie said: “This event brings together three important parts of my life.
“Connecting these two cities whilst raising money for Ambitious about Autism, a charity that supports autistic young people, is really special.”
Ellie grew up in Chiswick before moving to Hanwell aged 10 and attending Notting Hill & Ealing High School.
She now lives in Manchester and studies at Manchester Metropolitan University.
She was inspired to take part following her autism diagnosis two years ago, aged 20.
Ellie, who says she had “always felt different”, pursued a diagnosis after her partner, who has many neurodivergent friends, recognised some of the traits in her.
As a fitness lover with connections to both London and Manchester, Ellie felt the ride was the perfect event for her.
She said she is “apprehensive but excited” about Sunday’s event, adding that pre-event training rides have helped her prepare and meet some of her fellow participants.
Ellie has raised £700 for Ambitious about Autism and is on track to reach her fundraising goal.
M2L was created in 2014 by Rapha founder and former chief executive Simon Mottram and has raised more than £1.6 million for the charity.
Simon and his wife Lucy are ambassadors for Ambitious about Autism.
Their son Oscar attended the charity’s specialist TreeHouse School and Ambitious College in London.
Danae Leaman-Hill, Director of External Affairs and Development at Ambitious about Autism, said: “The scale of the Manchester to London ride reflects the scale of the challenge facing many autistic young people and their families.
“We want to say an enormous thank you to Ellie for her rising to this challenge and taking on this incredible feat in aid of our work.
“Ellie’s commitment to raising both awareness and vital funds is inspiring and will make a real difference to the lives of autistic children and young people.”
Ambitious about Autism champions rights, campaigns for change and creates opportunities for autistic children and young people.
To donate, visit Ellie’s fundraising page here.
For more information, visit the charity’s website or email [email protected]
Featured image credit: Ellie Ritchie
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