A LOVING and thoughtful daughter from Basingstoke is raising money for an autism charity by cycling 874 miles, the equivalent of travelling from John o' Groats to Lands' End.

Zoe Campbell from Rooksdown will be cycling the impressive distance after her “inspirational” mum called Susie was diagnosed with autism last year.

She will travel the distance on a bike in the gym at The Village Hotel in Basingstoke.

The money raised will be given to Ambitious about Autism, a charity who provides support to children and young people with autism through education, employment, policy, research and training for parents, professionals and organisations.

She said: “I have been doing a lot of cycling anyways and I had some time off work so I thought I would use the opportunity to raise some money whilst doing it.

“A charity I wanted to do it for is an autism charity, which gives people support through employment and education."

“The reason for me doing this is that my mum was diagnosed with autism last year at the age of 60. It's quite common for women to be missed or diagnosed late so I thought this would be a really good opportunity to raise awareness because not a lot is known about autism, and it does have quite a profound impact on the individual and the families."

Susie Campbell, who went through life as an undiagnosed autistic person, was awarded a first-class BA honours degree with distinction in Business and Management in August. She hopes her story encourages others to pursue their dreams no matter what stands in their way.

Diagnosis typically occurs later for females and females are likely to develop coping strategies, camouflage and internalise problems, they may present as having eating difficulties, anxiety and depression.

Susie said she is 'extremely' proud of her daughter.

She added: "I am absolutely delighted, and it is just typical of her she is so thoughtful, and she always thinks about other people.

"I am so proud of her she has just done remarkably well."

Zoe started the bike ride on Monday, December 27 and will finish the trek on Sunday, January 2, completing the journey in just seven days.

She hopes to do more to raise money for charity and told The Gazette it has given her the buzz to help others.

A total of £705 has been raised so far.

For more information and to donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Zoe-Campbell12.