Hey there,

Thanks for stopping by, and showing your support in both myself (I hope!) and at least in the work that the National Autistic Society do.

Those who know me, will perhaps know of my personal connection to Autism, through my younger brother Simon.  Like most children born with Autism, he was diagnosed at around two years old - which certainly makes those terrible twos ever so slightly more terrible!  From there, is when things start to become difficult – fortunately for many, the NAS are there to offer the essential advice, support and guidance to try and make things a little more clear in an otherwise extremely difficult confusing time.  Your donations contribute towards allowing the National Autistic Society to continue to help many more families in their time of need.

There is a large gap in the public understanding and prejudice towards autism and mental disability sufferers in general.  While physical disability sufferers are in plain sight of the public, and able to fight for their rights when something is wrong, autism strips that ability from my Brother and the other tens of thousand of others in his position.  They are all too easily cast aside and ignored.  We, as a nation, need informing better and need to be more understanding to give them a chance of living life to their full potential.  The NAS are working towards this, but need us all to help.

While I know my journey up to and through the Great North Run will be a huge struggle, this is nothing compared to what these individuals and their families experience throughout their lives.  We all need to work to make a real difference.

And if running 13 miles in helps towards accomplishing that, then I’ll drag my arse over that line!

Thank you all, for your support.  Please dig deep, as I know how deep some or your pockets can be... ;)

Cheers!

Sean