WHEN Stuart Morgan set off from Lowestoft on a 100-mile charity trek to raise �30,000, he was bounding with confidence – firmly believing he could rely on the kindness and generosity of the general public.

Mr Morgan, 30, had planned to walk to Ipswich and back, and set off on Monday, November 2, carrying only his clothes and camping equipment, in an bid to raise funds for the National Autistic Society.

The former window cleaner had no money – and was banking on shops, caf�s, pubs and the Suffolk public to provide him with food, drink and accommodation if the weather took a turn for the worse. However, the father of two from Lowestoft is now back home feeling decidedly 'upset' and disappointed after the only offers he received were a bag of crisps, a sausage roll, a portion of chips, and just �70 in donations.

'Apart from three places, nobody helpedwhatsoever when I told them what I was doing and why,' he said. 'I feel really upset by what happened as it seemed people were not really interested.'

Before he began his walk from the First and Last pub, in Lowestoft, an upbeat Mr Morgan had told the Journal: 'I am hoping people help me. I have got no money or food with me so I need to find some generous people.'

But unfortunately for Mr Morgan and his rumbling empty stomach, he only recieved support from two stores and a post office,

In Southwold, he was given a free bag of chips, Wrentham post office gave him a free packet of crisps and on reaching Ipswich he was given a free sausage roll by a bakery.

And he only raised �70 in donations – well below his ambitious �30,000 target.

To make matters worse, he had to cancel some of the return leg because of the poor weather and he got a lift home instead.

Despite his disappointment, Mr Morgan is feeling proud that he did most of the walk to help his 11-year-old son, Simon, who has Asperger's Syndrome.

'I know I did it for my son and to prove something to myself – so I am happy with that,' he said.

Mr Morgan was also supported by Go Outdoors of Norwich which donated his camping and walking equipment.

His experience has not put him off fundraising.

He said he would happily get involved in further charity attempts to raise money and awareness for the National Austisic Society –- including walking around Wales with a radiator.

Anyone who wants to support Mr Morgan should visit his webpage at www.justgiving.com then search his name to make donation.