Richard Stevens' Walk for Autism
Walk for Autism 2025
After the amazing time spent on Walk for Autism 2024, where we were able to raise over £4500 for the charity with some incredible bucket list moments, visiting iconic London stadiums, including interviewing Watford and England legend Luther Blissett pitchside at Wembley, it was really challenging to think, what could we possibly do next?
For the next 7 months, I had no answer to that question, and was considering a break for 2025. But then, something incredible happened. I was invited to the Autism Hero Awards in London and I spent the evening in the room with some exceptional people and seeing the impact the charity has on the UK and World, and the buzz returned. But again, what to do?
The next day, Zoe, my wife, said you turn 40 this year, what about something to do with that? So, we decided what better way to celebrate 40 than with 40. Miles that is! My biggest single day event ever. The furthest I had walked by nearly 10 miles!
My usual walking partner, Goddo had done another event in his home country of Malta in the October of 2024 and had said about taking a break in 2025, which I felt needed to be honoured as he had worked hard on our events and his own and needed a well earned rest. I had started a new series of the podcast and had a new co-host, Kip, who said to me that he would support this year, so I was not alone. And so we had it planned, and on the 19th July 2025, starting at 12am (on my birthday) and walking until 2:30pm in the afternoon we did it!!
The most amazing thing happened on the walk as well, we were joined by an incredible 7 other individuals who all walked with us throughout the day for as little as an hour up to an incredible 10 miles. I cannot begin to tell you how important the support is. We posted hourly updates on social media and people followed along, sharing and sending love and we felt it every step of the way. Even at 1am and 2am we were getting wished well and supported.
We saw the sites of Milton Keynes, from concrete cows and loads of roundabouts to the amazing mural of Lioness captain, Leah Williamson (a Newport Pagnell native), to the city centre finishing at Stadium MK (home of the MK Dons) a salute to the stadium walks that we have done for the charity and now the 14th stadium we have visited during our walks.
At time of writing, we have raised £835, which once again is amazing and I am grateful for every single penny, share and message that has helped us on this journey supporting the charity that we love so much…
So, what’s next?
Would you believe that there are plans to bring something to you in 2026, our 5th year raising money for Anna Kennedy Online, which we will reveal to you in the near future. Until then, it is time to dust off the microphone, and challenge myself in another way at AUTISM’S GOT TALENT!
Zoe and I volunteered at AGT in 2023 and we fell in love with the event, and were blown away by the talent on stage and the magnificent show that we watched that night. So, I decided to audition in 2025 and will be on the stage at the Mermaid Theatre in October.
I am really excited to perform, showcasing my talent and seeing all the other amazing acts that will be performing that night. Not to mention the amazing friends that we have made in the AKO family. It will be something very different for me in these recent years, but as you know, I enjoy a challenge!
