Father and autistic son among Norwood cyclists who raised £120k in Tuscany

A father and son were among 29 Norwood supporters who raised £120,000 after completing a demanding 270km cycling challenge through the Tuscan countryside.

Jonathan Tobin and his son Jacob, who is non-verbal and profoundly autistic, completed the route together on a tandem bicycle, raising more than £22,000 for Norwood, the leading Jewish charity supporting neurodivergent children and their families, and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Jacob attends the charity’s Unity short breaks scheme.

The riders spent three-and-a-half days cycling through the hills, vineyards and historic towns of Tuscany, with temperatures reaching 28 degrees along the route.

Speaking after the challenge, Jonathan said: “It was a special experience for both of us, particularly the warmth and love everyone in the group gave Jacob. A huge thank you to the many friends and colleagues in my professional network who supported us by donating.”

The challenge began in Pisa before the cyclists headed to Montecatini Terme, a historic spa town in Tuscany. Over the following days, they rode through some of the region’s best-known locations, including Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, and the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano.

The final stage took participants towards Siena, with riders given the option of tackling the Santa Caterina climb, a steep ascent that forms part of the famous Strade Bianche cycling race.

The money raised will help Norwood continue providing services and support to neurodivergent children, adults and families across the Jewish community.

The Tuscany Challenge is one of a number of fundraising events organised by the charity to raise vital funds while bringing supporters together through a shared experience.