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Leo's Spectrum Night Walks story


With Spectrum Night Walks just around the corner, we caught up our very own Leo Capella, autistic man and Job Coach at the National Autistic Society.  

We chatted to Leo about his Spectrum Night Walks adventure, why he’s taking on the challenge for our charity, and staying true to his ancestors’ family motto, ‘Stand fast’. 

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Why are you taking part in the Spectrum Night Walks?

I’m going walkies to help my charity (one I’ve worked and been a volunteer for as well as a service user of) survive this pestilential coronavirus pandemic, then rally. 

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I identify with an especially relevant and inspiring motto for these times from the Grant Clan (I am descended from the Grants through my mum): ‘Stand Fast’. It’s one that I somehow manage to live by, at least half the time!

"I identify with an especially relevant and inspiring motto for these times from the Grant Clan: 'Stand fast.'"

Where are you doing the walk and is anybody coming with you?

 I’ll be walking in London. Although I signed up to do the walk solo, I expect to have a clan (socially distanced if necessary) cheering me on in true Italian Braveheart Samurai fashion.


Any training or fundraising tips to share?

When it comes to fundraising, where possible and appropriate, live up to one of our charity’s values and “tell it like it is”.

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Currently the programme that I work on as a job coach at our charity is funded independently through the wonderful Bloomfield Trust, so we’re able to carry our work on employment mostly unhindered. However, sadly COVID-19 means we’ve had to cut back some of our work as a charity.

"When it comes to fundraising, where possible and appropriate, live up to one of our charity’s values and 'tell it like it is'. "

So, without going into sensitive depth, I've had to watch in, it’s safe to say, frustration and sadness as valued colleagues have left our charity, with more following them. I am determined to play my part in driving us back out of this infernal crucible stronger than ever for the future in honour of our colleagues, friends and supporters, whether past or present!

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Obligatory cute dog photo: Anber, Leo's dog


I’d also say: update your supporters where you can, although don’t worry if you can’t do a lot. Where I can, I’m posting updates on my fundraising page when I hit certain fundraising milestones - for instance crossing the halfway goal for my primary target of £500.

This normally involves me posting photographs of myself on my walks, with the obligatory cute dog photo of Anber thrown in, although words are fine too. It helps motivate your supporters and helps keep you motivated to do whatever training you need to do, whether you’re walking five kilometres or (in my case) 15.

"Update your supporters where you can, and don't worry if you can't do a lot. This normally involves me posting photographs of myself on my walks, with the obligatory cute dog photo thrown in, although words are fine too."

Visit Leo's JustGiving page

Keep up with Leo’s fundraising journey and help him reach his target via his JustGiving page.

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Find out more

Inspired by Leo's story?

Sign up to Spectrum Night Walks today, and help transform the lives of autistic people.

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