Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Through being encouraged both by my cousin David and sister in law Sharon to get out and run I'm now about to embark on the one thing in life I always said I would least like to do....the london marathon! Historically I was always more likely to attempt 26 pints than 26 miles so this page may surprise a few of you, but I assure you this is not a wind up!

Even now having ran 9.5 miles today I'm shuddering at the thought of upping this to over 26 miles in just a few months time! This is, however an opportunity for me to contribute towards a charity very close to my heart whilst also helping to raise awareness of autism-a condition that affects so many but is still relatively unknown or misunderstood. 

I have looked after a boy (who is now young man) with autism for over six years now and this very special lad, Danny is going to be my main motivating factor to get my a'se round the course. Danny goes to Treehouse school which was set up by the charity I am running for-an incredible place which through being completely self-funded has helped give so much to improve the lives of its pupils and their families.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects 1 in 100 people. You may have heard it described as a spectrum disorder. This means that people with autism share certain characteristics but also are very individual in terms of ability, needs and preferences. This means that effective care and education should be specifically designed to the needs of the individual in order for them to have the full and thriving life they all derserve.

Ambitous about autism works to provide this care for children and young people with autism as well as raising awareness and campaigning for change. This has and continues to be a long hard battle that the amazing people involved with this charity continue to dedicate their time, energy and skills to.

Their amition is to "make the ordinary possible for more children and young people with autism".

This is the one and only time I shall EVER commit to doing this kind of distance and (assuming I survive it) I am asking for as much support as you feel you can offer to donate to this very special charity. As well as asking for your donation please take the time to have a look at the link below to familiarise yourself with the charity I'm running for and how they help to improve the lives of so many children and young people.

www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk

Thanks in advance for however much you can or would like to donate and I shall keep you updated on my progress.

John X.

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