Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. My name is Louise and I'm  preparing to run my first ever 10k in Manchester on Sunday 10th May. There are a number of reasons for me doing this but the most important to myself and my family I will save for last.

Since having my 2 gorgeous  children Finlay 3  and Hallie 2  I haven't been the healthiest of role models to them. But this year I decided to commence 'Operation Rhino to Racehorse' my own weight loss and get fit regime. So far this has resulted in a 16lb weight loss so at present although it's under way I'm still at the rhino stages. As a deputy ward sister I want to be able to encourage patients to be healthy, not show them the after picture if they don't eat healthily and look after their bodies  

The main reason for doing the 10k is to make my family especially Finlay and Hallie proud of me.  Finlay was diagnosed with having autistic spectrum condition (ASC) at age 2. I was expecting the diagnosis but once we recieved the confirmed diagnosis is 'words' and writing my heart broke.  My heart broke for the boy Finlay may never become: Popular, outgoing, sociable and top of his class in school, would he even be invited to parties? Finlay is non verbal, he is very affectionate but the words I long to hear are ' I LOVE YOU' these are words that can be taken for granted. I then realised how selfish I was being yes Finlay is a little different and has a few struggles but he is  such a happy, healthy and well loved little boy these little things are little bumps in the road. We are hoping Finlay will go to a specialist school for children with autism so he can still be all these things. He'll tell me he loves me in his own time when he's ready whether it be in words or through PECs (picture exchange communication).  But I know he loves me through all the kisses and cuddles! 

The one thing that we've been so lucky to receive throughout this process is support. We've had support from our amazing families, professionals eg Speech and Language, friends and work colleagues. I must say a special thank you to Pipers Day Nursery Chester (outstanding ofsted report) who have loved and cared for Finlay since he was 15months and have been so supportive especially Lisa and Sarah. I also want to tell Finlay and Hallie how proud I am of them they have such a close, loving relationship and are most definitely double trouble. But this time I'm going to make you both so proud  

This support we have recieved has been invaluable to us, but we have also been so lucky to receive this. There are many people who don't recieve the love and support we did and this is where this charity helps  so please donate today and help out a very worthy cause  

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