TEENAGER Will Thomas is stepping out and stepping up for an autism charity during March.

Home-educated Will, aged 15, who has recently moved from Timberscombe to live in Withycombe, is fund-raising for the Autism Initiatives Group (AIG), a charity which works across the UK and Ireland.

He is taking part in the charity’s annual Walk for Autism initiative after raising more than £500 last year by walking 10,000 steps daily for eight days.

This time, Will is stepping up his effort and planning to walk 10,000 steps every day in March through to April 2, which is World Autism Acceptance Day, making a total of 330,000 steps, the equivalent of about 150 miles.

Will said: “I am excited to complete this challenge again and raise money for adults and children with autism.

“This charity is close to my heart because it helps people just like me.”

The Withycombe community has already swung behind Will and helped him to raise more than £180 before he starts.

Anybody who would like to support Will’s fund-raising can find an online link here.

AIG works to achieve a world where every person on the autism spectrum has the support they need to thrive, every opportunity to fulfil their potential, and a supportive, inclusive community in which to live.

It understands people with autism may see, experience, and understand the world around them in a different way.

A spokesperson said: “Our aim is to get everybody in the UK and Ireland walking and talking about autism.”