A Bolton woman is hoping for a knockout fundraising effort as she steps into the boxing ring competitively for the very first time to raise money for a small autism charity.

Jillian Watmough has been so moved by the stories of families helped by The PDA Society she’s signed up to White Collar Boxing and will take part in an exhibition match on September 9 in Manchester.  

Jillian works for Safer Sphere, an award-winning construction health and safety consultancy based in Liverpool, who are the first official corporate partner for the PDA Society - a small autism charity providing vital help and support to families across the UK.  

The firm have committed to a year of fundraising and have already completed the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Rise earlier this year.   

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is an often-misunderstood profile of autism that causes individuals to feel anxious when presented with everyday requests or demands, which can trigger fight, flight, or freeze responses. 

For many PDA autistic people this has a daily devastating impact on their ability to take undertake everyday activities, making things like eating a meal or leaving the house hugely difficult. 

PDA Society provide peer support, training and information about approaches that can make PDA people’s lives (and the lives of those who care for them) easier - the charity is the only UK organisation focused on helping this misunderstood group of autistic people access ordinary lives. 

Speaking about her fundraising efforts, Jillian said: “Hearing about the challenges faced by PDA people and those who care for them has been eye-opening, you never really understand the challenges that other people are facing every day.

“It seems unfair that life should be so difficult for PDA people, and there be so little support out there.

“I wanted to do whatever I could to help and having never boxed like this before, it felt like a suitably mammoth challenge.” 

Jillian has undergone eight weeks of rigorous training in the build-up to the fight and she will be fighting against another charity fundraiser who she’ll meet for the first time on the night.  

The fight is three rounds, each lasting two heart-pounding minutes. Safety is paramount – Jillian will be fully equipped with protective gear, including a pair of 16-ounce gloves. 

Jillian said: “It’s super challenging but I am determined to win and raise as much money as I can for PDA people.

“And it’s just the start of what Safer Sphere is going to be raising for them as all my colleagues are signing up for various other challenges too.” 

Ed Archer, CEO of the PDA Society, said: "Jillian is incredible, it’s amazing to see her literally fighting for support for PDA people who are often left out, misunderstood and ignored because the way they act is not what people expect of Autistic people. 

“This can have a devastating impact on their daily lives. It means the world that Jillian is standing with the PDA community and supporting us to provide the vital help and support they need. 

"I am so humbled by her efforts and her commitment to making the greatest possible difference to PDA people.” 

To support Jillian in her fundraising for The PDA Society then please visit her fundraising page: https://gofund.me/6d679934 

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno.