New Era coach Mark clocks up century to help autism awareness

A North West region boxing trainer has run more than 100 miles in one trip to raise money, awareness and increase acceptance of autism spectrum conditions.

Mark Bebbington, Head Coach of the New Era Boxing in Northwich, covered the incredible distance to help fund autism awareness training for his colleagues in the local boxing community.

On a week-to-week basis, he runs boxing classes for children of all ages and stages – all while caring for his son, who has autism.

Bebbington’s mammoth effort saw him enter the Kennet and Avon Canal Race, which took place between Friday 26^th July and the following Sunday, this year raced between London and Bristol.

He completed 105 miles of the gruelling 145-mile race and was only prevented from completing the full distance by injury.

Working closely with Tom Makin-Bell from Cheshire Autism Practical Support (ChAPS), Bebbington has delivered three-hour training sessions to those in the boxing community.

Both men share an interest not only in autism but also in training and fitness challenges – earlier this year Tom completed a trail marathon around and up Mount Snowdon, also to raise money for ChAPS. He averages over 2,000 miles annually, having taken up running at the age of 40.

The training sessions were staged last month nine people from amateur clubs and gyms from around Cheshire attended the ‘Introduction to Autism’ training at the ChAPS offices in Northwich.

Both men share an interest not only in autism but also in training and fitness challenges – earlier this year Tom completed a trail marathon around and up Mount Snowdon, also to raise money for ChAPS. He averages over 2,000 miles annually, having taken up running at the age of 40.

Attendees learned about key aspects of the condition including sensory issues  and problems with interaction and communication, plus more on how to avoid or problem-solve difficult situations.

Most importantly, they learned about the positives of the condition which often include a strong ability to focus and concentrate on chosen interests and a preference for routines – both of which lend themselves very well to sports training and fitness.

Feedback from the session was extremely positive, with both New Era Boxing and ChAPS hoping to put on further sessions in the near future.

Managing Director of ChAPS, Jo Garner, said: ‘It is extremely rewarding for us as an autism specific charity, to see the benefit that external providers like New Era Boxing can provide to our children on the autism spectrum.

“The fact that Mark has commissioned his staff to increase their autism awareness practices through our professional training module speaks volumes about the calibre of his personal commitment to helping children with additional needs.

“We look forward to a mutually beneficial and rewarding business relationship that helps massively the children we support through managing emotions, self-regulation, respect, improved mental health, coping strategies, and of course the really important health benefits.”

ChAPS also deliver regular autism awareness assemblies in schools, ‘Introduction to Autism’ training for professionals and Parent’s Training throughout the year.

For more information visit the website www.cheshireautism.org.uk or call 0344 850 8607.

If you want to find out more about New Era Boxing and the sessions laid on, go the website at http://neweraboxing.co.uk/ or call 07830 085132.