Father embarks on 51-mile walk for autism awareness
BBCA man has successfully undertaken a 51-mile (82km) walk around a park to raise awareness about autism.
With just five days of notice and no training, Gummy Johal set himself the challenge at Wolverhampton's West Park after being inspired by his son, who is living with the condition.
The walk, which took him 17 hours, was part of the work of a new organisation Johal launched, named DFRNT, to highlight mental health, community, and "embracing being different".
"I've got an eight-year-old autistic son, I'm doing this for him, but it's also for every kid that feels like they're different," he told the BBC as he set out on his laps on Thursday.
"Every adult, every parent that finds it hard, it's for everyone, I'm going to finish this regardless of what pain I'm in."
Autism is a disability that affects how people communicate and interact with the world. It can affect a person's 'sensory processing' - how their brain interprets touch, taste, sights, smells and sounds.
Johal began the challenge at 04:00 BST on Thursday, and said he was overwhelmed to see supporters turn out to walk alongside him for some of the feat.
He added: "I've literally had 20 minutes on my own, there's been people joining me throughout the whole walk. It's been really good, inspirational."
By 21:00, Johal had completed 106,000 steps and reached the end of the challenge and so far, £2,100 has been raised which will be donated to The Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton.
"It's a great place, they do so much for children and they do sensory classes. I'm very proud."
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