Autism no hindrance for Tom as he prepares for gruelling Ironman challenge

An 18-year-old from Greenwich hopes to become the youngest openly autistic person to complete an Ironman – as he takes on the challenge to raise vital funds for Ambitious about Autism.

On Sunday, Tom Carthew, who has just completed sixth form studies at The John Roan School, Westcombe Park Road, will travel to Wales to take on the unforgiving triathlon challenge.

The race, which starts in the seaside village of Tenby, will see Tom tackle a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile cycle, and finish with a 26.2-mile run – the distance of a full marathon.

Tom believes he will be the youngest autistic Ironman to complete the challenge unguided.

As part of his training for the race, fitness-lover Tom took part in a half-Ironman in July, which he said made him realise how “brutally tough” this next challenge would be.

Ambitious about Autism is the national charity standing with autistic children and young people. The charity started as one school and has become a movement for change. It champions rights, campaigns for change and creates opportunities.

Tom says he chose to fundraise for Ambitious about Autism because it “stood out” to him as a charity that does “amazing work to offer autistic young people opportunities, and a space to go when they’re in need,” adding that he hopes to fundraise for its work again in the future.

He said: “I believe that in completing this Ironman, I will be the youngest openly autistic person to complete an Ironman in history.”

To boost his fundraising efforts, Tom has set up a fundraising page and has secured an incredible £1,615 for the charity so far.

Tom said: “Growing up I always felt different and had a lot of struggles before and after my diagnosis. Fitness has always been my escape when I feel lost or am finding things difficult.

“I’ve chosen to take on an Ironman because by completing it, I will prove what autistic people can achieve, and show young people like me that they are capable of so much more than what other people may think. Being autistic should not stand in the way of us achieving our dreams.”

Danae Leaman-Hill, of Ambitious about Autism, said: “Tom’s dedication to this gruelling triathlon and to challenging misconceptions about autism is inspiring, and we’re thrilled he’s chosen to do so whilst raising awareness of our vital work.

“The money Tom has raised through his incredible efforts will play a key role in helping us deliver our essential services that enable autistic children and young people realise their ambitions.”

Tom works as a lifeguard and as a concierge in his brother’s gym called the Sculpt and Sweat Studio. He is hoping to apply to join the Royal Marines within the next year.

To find out more about Ambitious about Autism, please visit www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk or email fundraising@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk.

Pictured top: Tom Carthew who will travel to Wales this weekend to take on a gruelling triathlon challenge (Picture: Tom Carthew)