Benedict (now 4) is one of half a million people in this country with Autism.

Autism is a life-long disability that affects the way people understand the world around them, and how they communicate with others. It is a chronic impairment that doesn't just affect the life of the person with Autism, but has a massive impact upon their families and those who work with them.

This is not a visible disability - until something goes badly wrong. That's when individuals and families break down and parents can no longer cope with their own children.

Assistance, in the form of early diagnosis, therapy and education is rare, and if it is given, it is almost always after a fierce struggle lasting several years.

The National Autistic Society has unfailingly provided expert support and legal assistance to us as we have fought to get Benedict's most basic special needs met. They work on a local level with families, and on a national level with their campaigns in Parliament.

The London Marathon is the second part of my attempt to repay everything that they have done for us. Please dig deep and hand over your cash. If you are a UK taxpayer, they can claim that back as well!