Autism – our story

I am running the 2019 London Marathon to raise funds for autism awareness. As a family we have had to learn very quickly how to deal with the challenges faced on a daily basis. We are lucky to have a very strong group of family and friends who share our passion for our special girl and will do whatever it takes to ensure she lives her best life.

My pregnancy with Grace had been relatively smooth. I had had my share of difficulties in the past but having given birth to our wonderful son Jack I was confident that Grace’s arrival should be no more difficult.
Going into labour at 36 weeks was a bit scary but I knew I was in good hands with the care of the midwifery team at NGH. Grace arrived on 28th October 2013 and we fell in love with her as soon as we saw her. Her birth had been difficult, and she spent the first 5 weeks of her life on Gossett Ward at NGH

 We were thrilled to bring Gracie home. From the outset she has been the most loving, calm, good natured little girl who radiates beauty both within and without.  Everyone fell in love with her – not least of all her big brother Jack who adores her and is so protective towards her it makes us proud.

Grace didn’t reach the general developmental milestones as quickly as we had hoped, but as she has such a happy disposition we weren’t too worried. Happy to be cuddled and left to play with particular toys such as jigsaws and books it was obvious that she is clever although not very chatty.

As Grace reached 2 years old, we began to feel there was more we needed to understand about her. We were given an appointment to see a specialist consultant and thus began a series of tests.
In June 2016 we learned that Grace had been diagnosed as being severely autistic. I think I knew deep down as I had been researching the types of behaviour she displayed, but it still came as a tremendous shock. All of a sudden the hopes and dreams any loving parent has for their child – going to university, falling in love, getting married and having children were somehow being questioned.

Grace is a constant source of joy and happiness to our family. She is not only beautiful but has such a loving, gentle personality and we know we are truly blessed to have her.

Would we change anything? NO CHANCE!

Life can sometimes pull the rug from under your feet, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you can spare me a donation (no matter how small) all funds will be going to Autism (East Midlands) who are an invaluable source of help and support to many family’s .