A Liverpool family is preparing to walk around the Isle of Man carrying all of their camping equipment on their backs as part of a fundraising challenge inspired by their 10-year-old son.

Content creator Chris Reilly, his partner Billie-Jo and friend Ian Radcliffe will take on ‘The Miles That Matter’, a self-supported walk around the island in which they will wild camp and carry everything they need, including tents, sleeping equipment, clothing and other essentials.

The challenge, which starts on Monday, August 10, is being undertaken to raise awareness of autism and ADHD while also raising money for island-based charity Diverse Minds.

Chris and Billie-Jo's son, AJ, who is 10, has autism and ADHD.

Speaking ahead of the challenge, Chris said the walk is about more than covering the miles.

‘As parents of a child with autism and ADHD, we know first-hand how important inclusion, understanding and support are for families living with additional needs,’ he said.

‘We don’t want the walk to be only a walk. We want as many interactions as possible. We want to meet like-minded people, inspire and encourage change and acceptance. We want to be a voice for the non-verbal and a voice to be heard.’

Chris said the Isle of Man was chosen for the challenge after it was suggested by a friend. Rather than using the island solely as the setting for the challenge, the group also wanted to support an island cause by raising funds for Diverse Minds.

‘I thought it was an incredible idea, so we ran with it,’ Chris added. ‘We wanted to leave a little something behind.’

The trio say they have already received messages from people sharing their own experiences of autism and additional needs ahead of the walk, which Chris will also document for his social media audience of more than 260,000 followers across various platforms.

The challenge will conclude when the group returns to Liverpool by ferry on Sunday, August 16.

They will be welcomed at the ferry terminal by supporters before completing a final three-mile walk to ‘Daisy Inclusive UK’, where a free family event in Merseyside for children and adults with disabilities and their families will take place.

The event will feature entertainment, games, inflatables, food and refreshments, all provided free of charge.

Chris said the aim is to ensure families can enjoy the day without worrying about the cost.

‘Our sponsors and supporters have made both the walk and the event possible,’ he said. ‘We want families to come together, enjoy themselves and make memories at the end of it.

‘For Billie and me, this isn't a corporate charity campaign. We're mum and dad to AJ.

‘We're three ordinary people carrying our lives on our backs around the Isle of Man, sleeping outside and hopefully showing that ordinary people can do something extraordinary when there's a reason behind it.’

To find out more about the challenge, you can visit https://themilesthatmatter.co.uk/