At Prime Minister's Questions, Saqib Bhatti, Member of Parliament for Meriden, asked the Prime Minister to join him in supporting Alfie Ford’s autism awareness campaign.
Alfie Ford, from Chelmsley Wood, is walking 15,000 steps every day through the month of April, marking Autism Awareness Month. Alfie, who has autism and dyspraxia, wants to challenge public misconceptions surrounding those that have autism.
This challenge builds on a previous walking challenge last year, where Alfie walked 10,000 steps every day in April 2022, raising hundreds for the National Autistic Society, with Alfie already raising over £1000 from this year’s challenge. Saqib joined Alfie on one of his daily walks on Saturday 15th April 2023.
The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, praised Alfie’s challenge and campaign to raise awareness of autism and his fundraising efforts, wishing him “the best of luck” and calling him “an inspiration, not just to his community, but to many others”.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the work the Government has done on the autism strategy to help support people with autism.
Speaking in Prime Ministers Questions, Saqib said:
“On Saturday I joined my 17 year old constituent Alfie Ford in walking to raise funds for the National Autistic Society.”
“Alfie’s mission is to walk 15,000 steps every day in the month of April to raise awareness around autism and to show that every autistic person deserves the best chances in life.”
“This Saturday he is walking a walk from Birmingham City Football Club to Edgbaston Stadium and then back to Birmingham City Football Club.”
“Will the Prime Minister join me in wishing Alfie the very best for his walk and his noble mission to change the way people think about autism for good?”
Responding to Saqib’s question, the Prime Minister said:
“Can I start by praising Alfie for his fantastic efforts. He's an inspiration, not just to his community, but to many others, and I wish him the best of luck for Saturday.”
“Our autism strategy sets out our ambition to ensure that autistic people across all parts of the country get the support they need to live fulfilling and happy lives.”
“And I look forward to seeing Alfie's progress on the rest of his journey.”
