Fall River man hiking mtns. for autism

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) - A Fall River man is making it his mission to hike every mountain in New Hampshire with a peak of 4,000 feet or higher -- to help conquer what seems to be the impossible, and raise money for a good cause close to his heart.

A co-worker recently got 26-year-old mail carrier Tim Evans hooked on hiking, and now he's taking his passion to the next level - literally. He usually hikes the streets every day delivering mail through rain, snow or sun - but this time the terrain will be tougher.

"My brother, Shaun, who's very close to me, is 23 years old and he's autistic. And I decided that I'd try to raise funds for an organization to try and help out individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities," said Evans.

Evans is using Facebook and connections with letter carriers' unions to help raise money for the Arc of Massachusetts, a nonprofit agency that lobbies for grants to assist individuals and families with disabilities.

"They work hand in hand with the government and families and they can secure funds that people sometimes take for granted."

Evans has already climbed 11 peaks, three of them just on Wednesday. He says being on his feet all day helps make the hikes easier. His Facebook page has already raised more than 500 dollars and he's overwhelmed by the flood of support.

"It just goes to show you that everybody can... raise awareness and money at the same time."

Evans expects the challenge to take him a year and a half. He's saving the Presidential Range, including Mount Washington, for his final ascent.

If you'd like to learn more about Tim's climb for a cause, visit the web site for http://www.arcmass.org. If you'd like to contribute, email timsclimb@yahoo.com.