A WIRRAL charity boss will be taking part in a 50-mile race across the Lake District to raise cash for Autism Together's Future 50 Appeal.

Autism Together's chief executive Robin Bush will take on one of the greatest 'ultra-running' challenges in Europe - the Lakeland 50 on Saturday, July 28.

The route takes on tough terrain across the Lake District with approximately 3,100m of ascent while passing through picturesque sights including Kentmere, Ambleside and Coniston Lake.

Robin hopes to raise a minimum of £500 from the challenge to go towards the charity's Future 50 Appeal which aims to raise £2.5m to rebuild the original residential home Raby Hall and replace it with a world-leading autism-specific building suitable for up to 12 patients.

At the residential home, biometric technology will be used to 'see inside' people with autism who may not be able to speak and explain their anxiety or distress to carers.

The high-tech biometric technology will map anxiety levels of patients with severe autism and will be collected on lightweight bracelets worn by patients which look like Fitbits.

Robin, who has been training seven days a week, told the Globe: "Having completed the Everest Base Camp Trek in 2017, I was looking for a new challenge to help raise funds for the Future 50 appeal.

"I had always toyed with the idea of ultra-running and seeing how far I could actually run in one go.

"I thought seeing as Autism Together is now 50 years old, 50 miles would work.

"I've completed a 10-mile training race which went to plan and have half marathon, marathon and 30-mile training races also scheduled across various mountains.

"The main event is the last weekend in July and I'm hopeful i'll get to the finish, if I can stay injury free.

“I am so proud of the amazing work that everyone at Autism Together does on a daily basis and I just wanted to do my bit to show my support and raise some much-needed funds.”

Robin's ultra-run is only one of many 50-themed ideas which staff have arranged to help celebrate Autism Together's 50th birthday to fundraise for their appeal.

Other staff are cycling 50 miles along King’s Parade to Marine Point in New Brighton, and running 5 10kilometre races across the year.

To get in touch with ideas for more 50 themed events email fundraising@autismtogether.co.uk