Dear Friends

Thank you for taking time to visit my fundraising page.  This is my first marathon.  No doubt it will be tough but I've already done two half-marathons (1hr 43min 20) and I'm determined to do it.  The motivation driving me through my long, tough runs is the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the National Autistic Society. 

Autism affects over half a million people in the UK.  It affects people in different ways and results in problems with language, social interaction and interpreting the feelings of others.  Repetitive behaviour and learning disability are also common.  The work done by NAS to support people with autism and their families is invaluable.  The NAS provides vital services including schools, respite care, a specialist centre for diagnosis and training for professionals and carers. 

In particular I would like to acknowledge the wonderful work done by the staff at Merlewood in Lancashire who provide specialist 24 hour care for adults (including my brother) who have autism and learning disability.

Thank you for kindness and generosity in supporting this very worthy cause,

Claire

Training updates:
Apr 09 - left knee pain affects my training, determined not to let it stop me though            Mar 09 - fall flat on my face doing the Cambridge boundary run (1/2 marathon), not my finest moment but get straight back up for a personal best time of 1hr 43 min 20
Feb 09 - winter weather results in tedious treadmill running and dodging the hazardous snow and ice for long runs
Jan 09 - a steady, cold, dark start to the training