Codey Warhurst, Ben Topalov compete in Chain Reaction Charity Ride in Adelaide

While most of Queensland heads to the polls this weekend, former Gympie men Codey Warhurst and Ben Topalov will join 60 others in the Chain Reaction Charity Ride in Adelaide.

Former Gympie lads Codey Warhurst and Ben Topalov will compete in the Chain Reaction Charity Ride this Saturday, to raise money for children with autism.

While most of Queensland heads to the polls this weekend, former Gympie men Codey Warhurst and Ben Topalov will join 60 others in the Chain Reaction Charity Ride in Adelaide.

The two successful entrepreneurs with a passion for cycling will set off on a 1000km bike ride over seven days on Saturday, with the goal to raise money for the AEIOU Foundation – a charity that provides early intervention for children with autism.

The fundraising target of $1million was sitting at just over $809,400 on Wednesday afternoon.

Autism affects at least one in 70 people. Evidence shows early intervention makes a difference to a child’s development, helping them to develop important skills and encourage independence, the ability to communicate and opportunities for inclusion.

Former Gympie lads Codey Warhurst and Ben Topalov will compete in the Chain Reaction Charity Ride this Saturday, to raise money for children with autism.

In a nutshell, the non-for profit’s simple goal is to provide early intervention to enable children with autism to live their best lives.

AEIOU also provides advocacy across all levels of government to raise awareness and increase the financial support for children with autism and their families.

“I have personally seen the benefits of early intervention in young children,” Mr Topalov said on Wednesday.

“Recently, I dealt with a neighbouring landowner at work, a single mother, who invited me to meet with her young son who has ASD Level 3 (and requires very substantial care).

“ASD Level 3 is characterised by severe challenges in social communication as well as extremely inflexible behaviour.

“Children with Level 3 autism will be nonverbal or have the use of only a few words of intelligible speech.

“The mum explained the positive changes in her son through the early intervention program.

“He has been able to socialise more, communicate more effectively and even gave me a high five.

“This in turn improves the quality of life for the child and his mother.”

To donate to the ride and help provide early intervention to more children living with autism CLICK HERE.

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Originally published as Codey Warhurst, Ben Topalov compete in Chain Reaction Charity Ride in Adelaide