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Teenagers Rachel Mitchell and Sophie Thomas to complete sponsored cycle from Findhorn to Cairngorm Base Station to raise funds for SurfABLE and Scottish Autism


By Garry McCartney

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Rachel Mitchell and Sophie Thomas at Loch Insh.
Rachel Mitchell and Sophie Thomas at Loch Insh.

A PAIR of autistic teenagers are cycling from a seaside village to the mountains this month to raise funds for worthy causes.

Rachel Mitchell (18) from near Rafford and Sophie Thomas (16) from Crieff made friends at Dudhope Young Peoples Inpatient Unit in Dundee then decided to help charities who have helped them – namely SurfABLE and Scottish Autism – by doing a sponsored cycle from Findhorn to Cairngorm Base Station this August, weather dependent.

Rachel said: “We want to help others get the support and experiences that SurfABLE and Scottish Autism offer.”

Sophie and Rachel walking back in from a Surfable session at Hopeman.
Sophie and Rachel walking back in from a Surfable session at Hopeman.

SurfABLE instructors, coaches and volunteers offer fully adaptive surf therapy to children and adults with various disabilities and conditions at beaches in Lossiemouth, Hopeman, Cullen and Sandend.

Scottish Autism is dedicated to enabling autistic people to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. With a head office in Alloa and over 900 staff working across Scotland, it offers services including education, day and vocational opportunities, supported living, outreach, respite and specialist transition support.

Rachel said: “Sophie and I love going to SurfABLE Scotland sessions. They make us feel so happy, accepted and understood. The helpers are so enthusiastic and kind. We always come away with big smiles so we want others to have the same experience!”

She added: “Scottish Autism is helping to educate everyone on the signs of autism in girls, encouraging early diagnosis and support.

“Growing up feeling different and struggling is hard so getting a diagnosis is life-changing.

“The earlier girls are diagnosed the faster they can receive support and understand themselves.”

Rachel and Sophie have been out of school for the past one-and-a-half years but are starting college in September.

The young women agree that being undiagnosed for so many years caused their mental health to decline.

Rachel said: “Autism makes many things harder such as socialising and attending school, as well as change and emotions. Simple tasks like going into a shop or using public transport are much harder for us.

“The bright lights, all the people, noises, social interactions and the unknown can all become overwhelming.

“Autism in girls presents differently than in boys so is often missed. Many people don’t see the daily struggles we have as many girls mask their traits.”

She added: “Autism has many positives too! Sophie and I are both creative, quick learning and very resilient.”

The girls' sponsored cycle route.
The girls' sponsored cycle route.

The friends both come from active families so are looking forward to their cycling challenge.

Former Forres Cycling Club member, Rachel, said: “Being out and about is something we’ve grown up with.

“Unfortunately we both struggled with eating disorders which led to loss of muscle mass. Cycling has been great for us as it rebuilds muscle and improves our mental health.

“It was hard to accept that we weren’t as strong as we used to be but the challenge is a great distraction and is helping us recover.”

Sponsor the pair by searching for “Coast to Cairngorm Charity Ride gofundme” or via www.gofundme.com/f/nnyhv8-coast-to-cairngorm-charity-ride?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer or www.gofundme.com/f/coast-to-cairngorm-charity-ride?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer



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