A PCH resident from Stonehouse is cycling from Plymouth to London to raise money and awareness for two charities.

Marco Gianetti, 39, wants to raise cash and draw attention to the National Autistic Society and AnnakennedyOnline, a charity dedicated to promoting the inclusion and equality of children and adults with a disability.

In 2009, after his mum died, Marco was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and the National Autistic Society helped him to find a support worker who has worked with him to help improve his social skills and confidence.

He now wants to show his thanks to the society for helping him.

Marco said: “I want to give something back and to show my gratitude for their great work, so I am going to cycle from my home in Plymouth to the head office of the National Autistic Society in London.

“I am also riding for AnnaKennedyOnline. Its main mission is promoting disability equality by developing and sponsoring training, raising awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities as well as its advocacy efforts with and on behalf of people with disabilities.”

AnnaKennedyOnline is also the main sponsor of Marco’s big ride and kindly donated the bike that he will use on his journey.

Marco added: “Like me, there are thousands of youngsters and adults in the UK with disabilities and every pound that I raise goes straight to these two charities.

“Please give what you can and tell all your friends and families and work colleagues about this and ask them to pop some money in the pot too – even if it’s only £1 – as every penny really does make a world of difference.”

You can donate to Marco’s cause by visiting his Just Giving site at: http://www.justgiving.com/MarcosBigRide.

Plymouth Community Homes wishes Marco all the best on his bike ride challenge, which will take place later this year.

Marco has already received a generous donation from actress and author Jane Asher, who pledged £100 if he successfully completed the ride. Jane is President of the National Autistic Society where she takes an active role in fundraising.