A DAD has completed a challenge to run more than one hundred miles in a month to raise awareness of the growing number of children being diagnosed with autism.

Che Robert Smith, who is a firefighter for BAE, successfully ran 105.11 miles over October for a charity that is close to his heart.

(Image: Che Smith) Che, from Ulverston, created a fundraiser for The National Autistic Society, the UK's leading charity for autistic people and their families, which aims to help transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.

Che decided to take on the challenge because of his son, who is currently in the process of being assessed for Autism.

Four-year-old Sonny is on the waiting list for a diagnosis and Che said this could be up to two or three years long.

Che wants to raise awareness so more people understand that some children aren’t being naughty, they may have hidden disabilities or sensory issues.

He said: “Please just treat people with empathy and how you would want to be treated.”

(Image: Che Smith) The family have been ‘incredibly lucky’ as they have been awarded an Education, Health and Care Plan through Sonny’s school. A one-to-one helper looks after Sonny’s safety and helps with his learning.

“Usually you wouldn’t access this until you have a diagnosis,” Che said. “With a diagnosis you get help and access to all government portals to help with the day-to-day tasks however there are a lot of other free autism-friendly activities to attend like at Barrow Library.”

While most of the distance was completed around Ulverston, Che ran part of it in the gym after sustaining an injury.

“I usually ran five kilometres most days and ended it with a half marathon," he said.

(Image: Che Smith) While he enjoyed taking part in the challenge, Che said it had been tough.

“Every mile, I was motivated and stirred on by my son and will be doing it every October until I can no longer lace my trainers," he said.

“He motivates me by how hard he works to do things we take for granted, how happy he is and how much love he brings into everyone’s life he touches.”

After taking on the challenge both this year and the year before, Che is determined to make it a hat-trick by finishing another 100 miles in October 2025.

So far, Che has raised over £550, smashing his initial target of £150. There is still time to donate here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/502031725885267