My name is Alex Ayling . . . and I am autistic.

After being diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of two, I faced many obstacles in my life ranging from social interaction difficulties in everyday life to bullying throughout my school life. Back in 2017, I was a fugitive, evading capture for 25 days, on the Channel 4 reality-based TV show ‘Hunted’ with my dad. This was one of the most physically, mentally and emotionally challenging things I had ever done in my life. We ended up reaching the extraction point along with two other contestants, Dan Murphy and Joe Appleton.

My primary goal for applying for ‘Hunted’ was to push myself out of my comfort zone and show that despite having Asperger’s I could go beyond my limitations when I needed to. Also, to prove to all those bullies from my past, who made me feel so bad, that I had risen above their derision and could achieve what many thought I was incapable of.

Since the show aired, I have received many encouraging and kind messages from people around the country; from parents with children who have Asperger’s to people who are autistic themselves. This has encouraged me to continue raising awareness for autism so for that reason................... On April 1st, 2018, I aim to run 25 miles to raise money for The National Autistic Society.

Why 25 Miles?

Each mile represents every day I was on the run.

All donations will be greatly received.

Thank you very much.

Xxx

#autismawareness #thenationalautisticsociety