On Saturday 23rd September, myself and my brother Mark James accompanied by two of my trusted colleagues from ATA Recruitment; Rachel Skelton and Danny Allsopp will be braving X Runner- Wild Warrior in Ashbourne, Derbyshire.

This is a 5K run (Sounds easy).... until you add the Water Slides, Tightropes, Tunnels, Hurdles, Giant Walls, Cargo Nets, Monkey bars, Tyre traps Spider’s Webs, Balance Beams, Mud, Water and the Assault Course... AH NOT SO EASY!

So why are we putting ourselves on through this fun but massively challenging ordeal?...

To raise money for an amazing local Charity 'Special Friends' The Charity (run by the fantastic Lucy Sarna of Belper, Derbyshire) raises money to put events on for children with learning difficulties and their families. This includes Soft Play, Out of bounds adventures, Trampoline parks, arts and crafts and much more.

As parents of two autistic children my family and I have benefited first hand at the fantastic work that Lucy and 'Special Friends does'...

They give these special, brave children the chance to 'treat' their siblings (and themselves) to fun days out, away from the every day challenges they experience. It also allows parents to share advice, confide in one another and feel part of a group. Personally, when we received diagnosis for Jude, I felt very alone (in our situation) but Special Friends has proven to me there are many fantastic, loving families experiencing the same (so to "pull myself together ;-)

Thanks & Much Love,

Chris & the ATA team