HE’LL have blisters, sore shins and more than the odd cramp.

But when Greg Hunt finishes his 500km ‘Walk for Autism’ fundraiser, the Flinders Liberal MP will also be grinning from ear to ear.

Mr Hunt will be joined by AFL great Kevin Sheedy for part of the walk, which will raise money for autism educational assistance groups — Abacus Learning Centre and the Light up Autism Foundation.

“Both do tremendous work in this field and that’s why I will also be raising funds to support their invaluable work for children with autism and their families,” Mr Hunt said.

“Autism can range from mild to severe, and include difficulty in social interaction, restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour and impaired communication skills.

“Early schooling is when many of these traits are realised for the first time and proper education and early intervention is vital to improving educational outcomes for these children.”

Sheedy added: “Special people in life need special care and must always be given the opportunity to have happiness and wellbeing throughout the whole of their life.”