A TEENAGE boy with autism has dyed 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.

The former Russett School pupil has set up a JustGiving page and has already raised 400 towards his £500 target.

Ryan said: “This was a big deal for me as I don’t like change so I decided to be brave and just go for it.

“I am fundraising to support 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.

Ryan said he feels very proud to help such a deserving charity.

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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"Ryan was going to dye it back to brown in a week but he likes the colour so much he may keep it for a few weeks."

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