A keen walker hopes to spread a message of acceptance and understanding as he treks the length of Hadrian’s Wall for charity.
34-year-old James Henderson will follow the wall from Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend, a route covering 86-miles of stunning but rugged countryside, to raise money for the North East Autism Society (NEAS).
James, who was diagnosed as autistic two years ago, says one of the main motivations behind the challenge is to help share the understanding it’s given him.
“It completely changed my life,” James says.
James previously spoke to NEAS about the ‘Instagram moment’ that led to him seeking diagnosis, discussing his journey with therapy and support on the ‘This is Autism’ podcast.
“I’m medicated for ADHD now, and that helps, but none of that is the main benefit I’ve seen.
“It’s understanding yourself for the first time. I think it just makes you all round happier.”
James, who runs his own business building data analysis software, says it’s something he would never have been able to do if his diagnosis hadn’t allowed him to better understand himself, and added that although he hasn’t used NEAS services himself, he’s glad to support the charity.
“It’s nice to know there’s someone you can go to that just gets it, you don’t have to explain yourself, you don’t have to mask. You can just go and get help and figure it out,” James said.
The challenge is planned over five days, letting James to make steady progress by splitting the journey into longer and shorter legs.
“I wanted to push myself, but I’m not someone who goes to the gym, I can’t run particularly well because I’ve got asthma, but I love walking,” James said.
James said he chose Hadrian’s Wall as it was a good distance, as well as being a famous local landmark.
“It’s a good push for me to show that I can achieve something difficult and strenuous, and I just love being outdoors.”
James added: “I walk every day anyway, but I’ve been doing plenty of training carrying my day bag.”
Although he’s setting out on the walk solo, James will be keeping himself going with a mix of true crime podcasts, audiobooks, and music ‘when all else fails.’
“I listen to anything really, but Blues is my go to. It gives you a good bit of rhythm, especially if you’re following the drum, and keeps you moving.”
