Man takes on cycling challenge for autism charity

Dr Geldart will be cycling with two friends to raise awareness and funds for a Berkshire autism charity

A doctor is testing his stamina and determination by taking on a 373 mile (600 km) cycling challenge to raise money for an autism charity "close to his heart".

Dr Jude Geldart is cycling across Germany from Dusseldorf to Berlin to thank Prior's Court, in Hermitage, West Berkshire, which he said had helped "transform his younger brother's life".

Dr Geldart is fundraising to refurbish the charity's multi-sensory building which helps young people to regulate their sensory needs.

Prior's Court said the space was in "urgent need of work to better meet the growing and complex needs of those who use it".

Dr Geldart, who started the challenge on Friday, described himself as a "keen cyclist" who had completed long-distance rides in the UK but said this was the first international trip and the longest distance he would be attempting.

Prior's Court provides education and residential care for autistic, young people with complex needs from the ages of five to 25.

It aims to develop independent living, communication and social skills, as well as vocational opportunities.

Dr Geldart said the charity "has had a huge impact on my brother's development and journey to becoming a young man".

Jude Geldart (on the right) is raising money for the charity that supports his brother, Felix (left)

He said his brother Felix had become a residential student at the age of 11.

Now 20, he said Felix had benefited "enormously from the highly specialised environment" and "tailored support from staff".

He said: "Felix first moved to Prior's Court when his educational, psychological and emotional needs were at their most complex.

"At the time, he struggled in many aspects of life - from speech and language delays to behavioural challenges such as self-harm and meltdowns.

"Although Felix still faces difficulties today, the progress he has made over the last nine years would not have been possible without Prior's Court's environment and care."

"My hope is that undertaking a challenge like this will improve public awareness," he added.