A man from Sale has taken on an epic 220-mile challenge to raise vital funds for a charity that supports children and young people with autism.

Ed Billingham, 56, cycled from Manchester to London in under a day last month to raise money for Ambitious about Autism.

The charity supports thousands of children and young people with autism and run schools and a college that focuses on improving the quality of life of pupils and learners.

Ed, who studied at the Royal Northern College of Music and now teaches classical guitar in Greater Manchester, has so far raised more than £1,000 for the cause.

Speaking about his decision to participate in the challenge, Ed said: “I have been cycling since 2010 and love challenges. As a member of Sale Harriers, I have also run two London Marathons.

“The Manchester to London ride is a big challenge for a great cause. I have a number of friends with autistic children and appreciate the difficulties they face in life. Ambitious about Autism is a superb charity supporting them.”

The 220 Manchester to London challenge was created by Simon Mottram, the founder and former chief executive of cycling brand Rapha in 2014 that has raised more £1m for Ambitious about Autism.

Simon’s son Oscar previously attended the charity’s TreeHouse School and Ambitious College, a specialist day college for autistic young people in London.

This year’s challenge saw 160 riders set off from Rapha Clubhouse in Manchester at dawn and cycle through the Pennines and the Chilterns before crossing the finish line at Rapha HQ in North London.

Jolanta Lasota, chief executive of Ambitious about Autism, said: “Completing this ride is a massive achievement and the result of months of training and astonishing stamina.  

“I’d like to thank all this year’s riders for their commitment to the cause – the money they have raised through their incredible efforts will play a key role in helping us carry out our vital national work that ensures autistic children and young people can be themselves and realise their ambitions.”

To donate to Ed Billingham’s fundraising page, go to https://ambitious220.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/fundraisers/edbillingham/manchester-to-london

For more information about Ambitious about Autism or to find out more about taking on a challenge event in support of the charity’s work go to www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk or email fundraising@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk.