Story
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I have chosen to participate in an event to try to raise money for a charity called Peach (Parents for the Early Intervention of Autism in Children). This charity, which I support, provides information and support for parents of children with autism. A lot of people, including doctors, do not know much about autism, which is actually a shame as it is more prevalent than one might think. According to the National Autistic Society, there are over half a million people in the UK with autism. That seems fairly high, and probably includes people with Asperger’s syndrome. Autism is a lifelong condition and cannot be cured. However it can be treated with the right early intervention. It is difficult for parents finding out that their child is handicapped to learn what it all can mean and what they can do, as society and government are not structured in a way to really help parents at all, which makes having a child with autism even more challenging. Intervention is crucial, as it helps the children reach their full potential. Without it, a lot of autistic children land up either as children or as adults in residential care, as they have not really learned the skills and behaviours that help them "fit" into society, which is all very sad. Peach helps raise awareness about autism generally and helps advocate the need for intervention, starting as early as possible. To find out more about autism, and about Peach, click here:<a style="cursor: pointer; color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.peach.org.uk/">www.peach.org.uk</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br>The event I have chosen is fairly intense and takes place fairly shortly, on Saturday the 12th of May. Whilst I have not trained for it specifically, I believe (or hope), given all my training, that my current level of fitness is sufficient to complete the course (I just did an eight mile run, which was fine, I hope to do 10 miles tomorrow). It is called the "tough mudder" competition, a "hardcore 12 mile-long obstacle courses designed by the Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie". I have joined a team to go with so will not be going on my own. For details of the course, check out this website: <a style="cursor: pointer; color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.toughmudder.co.uk/">www.toughmudder.co.uk</a>. The event also has its own charity, help for heroes, to which I will be contributing.<br><br>I wanted initially to raise £2000 for Peach, but it looks like I am raising more, which is all for the good. All the money raised will go to Peach. If you would like to encourage me and help contribute to this charity, please click here:<a style="cursor: pointer; color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.justgiving.com/Stephen-Wilson-Smith">www.justgiving.com/Stephen-Wilson-Smith</a>.<br><br>Many thanks, and wish me luck! <br><br>Stephen</span></span></p>