Chris, a man with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) living in supported accommodation in Lincolnshire, spent two years walking the Wash with the support of his care team to raise awareness of autism and promote the Wash as a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At 51, Chris completed his 42-mile challenge in small 3-to-4-mile sections to accommodate fitness limitations such as asthma. He was supported throughout by his care workers Sylwester Oleksiewicz, Tomasz Wilf, Alex Kay, and team leader Kim Wainwright.
Chris says:
I lived in London for 24 years. The countryside is so different. Being outside helped me feel a part of my community and it helped my fitness. I also learned more about my ancestors and where I have come from.
The Wash is a rectangular bay and multiple estuary on England’s east coast, stretching from Skegness to Hunstanton, covering almost 8,800 hectares. Five major rivers flow into the North Sea here: the Steeping, Witham, Welland, Nene, and Great Ouse. Over the two years, Chris walked approximately 42 miles of the 80-mile Wash route, visiting the mouth of every river, encountering wildlife including otters, seals, geese, ospreys, cranes, sea scurvy, and marsh samphire, and even helping to collect litter along the way. He also experienced outdoor cooking and met local people, tourists, and even a helpful prison guard.
Sylwester, Chris’s main companion, says:
The Wash is one of the few last wildernesses in England, beautiful but challenging. Over two years we experienced all kinds of weather, sometimes four seasons in one day. Chris’s perseverance and enthusiasm were inspiring. The joy and excitement of being outdoors spurred us on.
In April 2023, Chris completed the challenge, and with the UK government putting England’s east wetlands forward as a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site, he hopes his walk will raise awareness of the campaign.
Chris’s remarkable journey captures the spirit of what Agincare strives to achieve every day by empowering people to live fulfilling, independent, and meaningful lives within their communities. Through patience, encouragement, and genuine partnership, our team helped Chris turn his personal goal into an inspiring achievement that celebrates ability, inclusion, and purpose.
His story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and understanding, people can overcome barriers, connect with their passions, and make a lasting impact, something Agincare is proud to help make possible.