Hi my name is Tom Fitzpatrick,originally from Carnacon,  Ballyglass, County Mayo and I now live in Ahascragh village,  Ballinasloe , County Galway . I am married and have four sons .

When my youngest son Conor was born he started having seizures when he was a couple of days old . For the first few months of his life he was in and out of hospital and he regularly visits Temple Street hospital still . He is now four and is over a year seizure free as he is on medication to prevent him having them.

At the beginning of this year he was diagnosed autistic . From the minute he was diagnosed the help and support from everybody in the health sector both local and outside the county has been amazing. From physio to speech and learning , to medical care etc has been just amazing . We certainly would not have gotten by without help and guidance from everyone .

Conor was a gift from heaven and has changed me , Teresa , Tommy, Ryan and Cillian's lives forever and we love him dearly. He has thought us to enjoy life and take everyday as it comes no matter the difficulties that comes in front us we just keeping smiling and keep going... keep trying and KEEP WALKING !! He is always so happy and an inspiration to us all . Speech has been a difficulty for Conor and so too has been Walking.  

I really feel strongly about doing something or giving something back  not only for Conor but people with Autism as a whole and the people that help people with Autism at every level throughout Ireland...And hopefully raise a bit of awareness also ...no matter how small or big  I just want to do something!!

So I'm taking part in the AsIAm 20 for 22 challenge . And I've decided to walk from Ahascragh Galway all the way home to Mayo !!! .

I'm going to do this over a 3 day period on the weekend of October 7th 8th and 9th of October which will be over 20 hours walking which will be my challenge.

Why 3 days ??? As I said Conor has struggled with his walking but he his getting there in his own time .. at his own pace .. and he will get there, we know he will  and so will I for him . Just because things are done a bit slower doesn't mean they are any less special than anything else.

The route will be starting In Ahascragh on the Friday and on to Dunmore . On Saturday it will Dunmore to Claremorris with final leg of the journey on the Sunday, Claremorris to Castlebar.

My goal is to raise some money for a fantastic cause and raise awareness for autism and also  to do something special for Conor for the happiness he has brought to our lives ... any support that you can give I would really appreciate it thank you  ...

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