Jacob’s east coast autism walk raises eight times its target

Earlier in the year, Jacob Bellis had to come up with a fundraiser as part of his Asdan (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network) qualification.

Jacob had decided to walk the east coast from Jerbourg to Pembroke inside his allocated four hours’ exercise time on Saturday 16 May.

Mum Lisa said she was amazingly proud of Jacob for taking the initiative to organise everything on his own.

‘I am just gobsmacked by Jacob, he blows my mind every day,’ she said.

‘He arranged everything on his own and every time he bumped into someone he told them all about his challenge – I think that’s why he managed to exceed his target amount by so much.’

Initially hoping to raise £300, Jacob has raised more than eight times that.

The family were overwhelmed by the generosity of people supporting him and Jacob said thank you to all those who waved to him during his walk and were there at the end to cheer him on.

‘It was very motivating to see people along the way and I wasn’t expecting to see so many people at the end, so it made it very memorable,’ Jacob said.

‘I wanted to support Autism Guernsey because I’ve had autism since I was born, but it’s not a problem, it’s more just a characteristic of mine – so I wanted to give something back.’

Mrs Bellis said Jacob has always been fascinated by local landmarks and fortifications and was a keen walker, so the challenge suited him to a tee.

At the end of the 11-mile walk, Jacob was met by Guernsey Police, who flashed their lights and sounded their sirens.

‘I wanted to celebrate with everyone in the Beach House after but because of the lockdown we weren’t able to,’ he said.

‘I hope we’ll be able to do something soon.’

Autism Guernsey was delighted that Jacob chose to raise money for the charity and said it was so proud of him for organising it all independently.

‘We have had to cancel or postpone a number of our fundraising events this year and therefore all donations are extremely important as we do not receive any statutory funding,’ said fundraising manager Mandy Morris.

During the lockdown Autism Guernsey has been busy supporting clients and their families using online platforms or by telephone.

Because the charity’s clubs and groups have also been cancelled, the staff have been organising art and craft sessions using free open-source multi-platform Jitsi, which both the adults and children with autism are loving.

n To donate to Jacob’s page visit bit.ly/3cQun64, email office@autismguernsey.org.gg or call 232879.