Warwick cyclist who underwent surgery and months of recovery after accident gets back on his bike for 220-mile cycling challenge

On Sunday (June 28), David Carro, who grew up in Puebla, Mexico, before moving to the UK, will take on the iconic Manchester to London challenge, organised by cycling lifestyle brand Rapha, and raising vital funds for Ambitious about Autism.

The event will see participants set off from the Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel at dawn and cycle through the rolling Pennines and Chilterns before crossing the finish line at Rapha HQ in North London that night.

Ambitious about Autism is the national charity standing with autistic children and young people.

The charity started as one school and has become a movement for change. It champions rights, campaigns for change and creates opportunities.

Manchester to London (M2L) was created in 2014 by Simon Mottram, the founder and former CEO of Rapha, and to date has raised more than £1.6 million for Ambitious about Autism. Simon, and his wife, Lucy, are ambassadors for the charity. Simon and Lucy’s son Oscar attended the charity’s specialist TreeHouse School and Ambitious College in London.

Six months ago, David, 40, was in an accident while cycling, resulting in him having to undergo surgery. Following this, he endured months of post-surgery recovery to rebuild his physical and mental health.

Despite this experience, keen cyclist David has not been put off and is getting back on his bike to take on what he describes as his “biggest endurance challenge yet.” He says he has been working hard to stay consistent with his training and has been testing his fitness over the last couple of months to ensure he’s ready to take on the M2L challenge.

David, said: “The accident has given me a different perspective on things. Now, cycling is no longer just about chasing speed or distance it’s about making a positive impact.

“That’s why I have chosen to take part in this challenge for Ambitious about Autism – an incredible charity making a difference to the lives of autistic children and young people across the UK.”

To boost his fundraising efforts, David has set up a fundraising page and has raised more than £400 for the charity so far.

To donate go to: https://ambitious220.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/fundraisers/davidcarro/manchester-to-london26

David is one of 180 riders taking part in this year’s challenge, which is one of the largest groups of participants in the event’s history.

Danae Leaman-Hill, director of external affairs and development at Ambitious about Autism, said: “The scale of the Manchester to London ride reflects the scale of the challenge facing many autistic young people and their families.

“We want to say an enormous thank you to David for rising to this challenge and taking on this incredible feat in aid of our work. David’s commitment to raising both awareness and vital funds is inspiring and will make a real difference to the lives of autistic children and young people.”

For more information about Ambitious about Autism go to: www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk