Macclesfield businessman in 4000-mile challenge for Space4Autism
By Alex Greensmith
3rd Apr 2023 | Local News
A Macclesfield mortgage expert is giving up his free time to raise thousands for a local charity.
Carl Atkinson Founder and Director of Tytherington's Manuka Mortgages, is aiming to raise £2500 for Space4Autism.
The father-of-two has already raised over £570, and will do so by racking up the miles to raise money for the Mill Lane good cause.
He's doing it for Space4Autism as one of his children has autism, so Carl knows how helpful the 18-year-old charity can be to families.
"My family have been signed up to Space4Autism for a couple of years", said Carl.
"We didn't get to experience the full benefits until recently because of COVID, when we realised how amazing it was.
"My eldest son has autism and ADHD. This charity is doing phenomenal things with the support they offer to families, adults children and carers alike.
"I wanted to give something back. The amount of people they help is astounding. It is not just the kids, it is the parents they support too.
"And to raise as much awareness and money as possible, I've decided to do a fundraising challenge throughout the year."
Carl will rally himself and his business partners to walk, cycle or run close to 4000 miles in 2023, splitting the astronomical figure between them.
While he's never done anything like this before, he is a keen Macclesfield Parkrun member and will hope that this athletic crowdfunder will spur him onto a marathon in the future.
"I chose to travel 6000km as that was because Space4Autism has space to help over 6000 people per year", he added.
"That means - along with my business partners - we are averaging 20km a day. My son will join me and the dog on a few walks as well.
"And while we've only met once, Cheryl Simpson MBE and I got on like a house on fire and I'd like to thank her and the charity for their support, as well as the amazing work they are doing."
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Carl grew up on the Greenside estate in Macclesfield, and is an ex-Whirley Primary and Fallibroome Academy pupil.
He runs his own mortgage, secured lending and insurance services company for the people of Macclesfield.
Whilst his priority is to serve local people, he does also assist customers across Cheshire and the north west.
"I started my own business in November 2021, on the basis that I wanted to hand-hold my customers all the way through the process, as opposed to being passed from pillar to post, which in my opinion isn't a great customer journey nor personal," he explained.
"With the biggest financial commitment of your life, I believe it is important to get the best possible service and the right advice you deserve, from someone you know and trust."
This is the first charity fundraiser Carl has done since he became self-employed. When asked as to why small businesses should do their bit for charity, Carl had this to say:
"Everyone is feeling the pinch at the moment. I fully appreciate that we are in a very strange place as a country and all facing this cost-of-living crisis together. So any donation, of any size would be massively appreciated and will go a long way to supporting this fantastic charity.
"The fact what Space4Autism are doing resonates with me personally, indicates that it means a lot for me to try and give back."
Macclesfield: You can donate to Carl's crowdfunder HERE.
See Also: One Project Macclesfield to benefit from Co-op funds
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