A TEENAGE boy with autism is dyeing his hair blue to raise money for the ambulance service.

Ryan Ward, 19, from Winsford, wants to thank emergency crews for the vital role they play in the community.

The Petty Pool student with special needs has found lockdown difficult as he relies on routine and a structured timetable.

This challenge will also take him out of his comfort zone.

The former Russett School pupil has set up a JustGiving page and has already raised £150 towards his target of £500.

Ryan said: "This is a big deal for me as I don't like change so I have decided to be brave and just go for it.

"I will be fundraising to support the staff and communities of the North West Ambulance Service Trust Charity who do so much for us. They are there for us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year."

The charity not only provides lifesaving equipment, education programmes and community first responders but also mental health and wellbeing programmes.

"They are there for us," added Ryan, who plans to turn blue on Monday. "Now is the time for us to step up for them and care for the carers."

Ryan's mum Emma, 42, said: "Ryan is very gentlemanly, kind and thoughtful of other people. He hates change and is really missing college.

"This is giving him something to focus on. We are very proud of him."

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Emma, who has fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome, is Ryan's carer.

"Ryan chose this charity because ambulances have come out for him in the past," she said. "He had a suspected stroke six years ago but it turned out to be epilepsy which he has now grown out of.

"We all need an ambulance at one point in our lives."

Ryan's step dad Paul, a customer service advisor for a holiday company, and sister Jodie, 17, are also supporting his fundraising efforts.

Ryan, who has a photographic memory, would love to travel round the world.

Emma added: "He only has his hair cut by Dean Hildrop at Patron Barber Shop in Winsford as Dean has grown to know Ryan and offers appointment only. He is the only person who can cut Ryan's hair.

"I've done hairdressing in the past and have treated Ryan's hair with bleach to lighten it so the dye will take.

"As everyone's hair is growing a bit wild at the moment we were talking about different ideas. Ryan decided to go blue for charity."

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/ryan-ward8