WORLD Autism Day is on the 2nd of April; leading up to this day a local father has walked the Great North Walk, from Newcastle to Sydney, to raise funds for Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT).

Daniel and Pia are local parents to Aidan, who was diagnosed with ASD six years ago, at only 3 years old. It was a challenging time.

After Aidan’s diagnosis, “we were struggling to find the right support and resources to help Aidan thrive and transition to a well-balanced lifestyle” they said.

They emphasised how ASPECT was the first organisation that helped them; providing support and guidance through the challenging times. Both parents are extremely grateful that ASPECT “have helped Aidan achieve his full potential and improve his quality of life”.

So why has Daniel, the father of Aidan, decided to take on a 260km walk?

"I have always found peace in nature and hope to pass on this love of the outdoors to my kids. When I heard about the’ Walk For Autism’, I saw it as an opportunity to give back to an organisation that has helped so many families like mine who have a child with autism,” he said,

“When I decided to do the Walk for Autism, I thought I needed to really challenge myself and take on the Great North Walk, a 260 km hike from Sydney to Newcastle that usually takes about 2 weeks and complete it in 8 days.”

Daniel and Pia have set up a fundraising page in the hopes that family, friends, or anyone will donate to the organisation that has helped him so much, and sponsor Daniel’s terrific cause

“I know when I am struggling on this hike Aidan will definitely be my inspiration and If I can make the 260 kms to finish in 8 days and Aidan is there to meet me I hope it inspires him to keep challenging himself and always dream big," Daniel stated.

To donate to Daniel’s ‘Walk For Autism’ visit www.walkforautism.org.au/fundraisers/danielmurphy.