Ambitious about Autism raises over £200,000 in 36-hour fundraising challenge

Ambitious about Autism has raised over £200,000 during a 36-hour online fundraising challenge to support autistic children and young people disproportionately affected by COVID-19.  

The Be Ambitious campaign was launched to ensure the charity can continue providing support to families facing setbacks due to the pandemic. During the unique fundraising challenge, over 100 individuals became ‘champions’ for the cause and galvanised their own networks to raise funds via donations.  

According to recent research by Ambitious about Autism, nearly two-thirds (63%) of autistic children and young people’s mental health is worse than before the outbreak of the pandemic. Meanwhile, 80% of families had support reduced or stopped due to COVID-19.  

Over the past 12 months, the charity has been providing hundreds of autistic children and young people and their families with urgent care and support, such as the delivery of food parcels, providing online information and support as well as IT equipment for home learning.  

Jolanta Lasota, Chief Executive of Ambitious about Autism, said: “The pandemic has had a disastrous impact on the wellbeing of autistic children and young people.  

“Their worlds have been turned upside down, with routine, structure and predictability stripped away. Meanwhile, disruption to vital support in education, social care, and mental health services will have a long-lasting and deep impact.  

“Thanks to the generosity of our supporters we have raised over £200,000 so far - a phenomenal amount of money that will transform the support we are able to provide to help autistic young people recover from this pandemic.  

“I would like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who took part in this campaign, you have all made a huge difference.”  

Among those who supported the Be Ambitious campaign included Channel 4 news presenter, Jon Snow, and triathlete, Sam Holness, both Ambassadors of Ambitious about Autism. 

Please visit our page for further information on the campaign.