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My brother Richard has Down’s Syndrome and also a severe learning disability. He and my family have benefited enormously over the years from the social clubs provided by Southampton Mencap, so this year I want to raise money to keep those clubs going. I’m a keen runner so I’m asking people to sponsor me in the London Marathon to hit their target of £16,000.

The full range of clubs provide regular supervised social opportunities to over 100 children, young people and adults with special educational needs and learning disabilities. They offer a wealth of experiences beyond what members gain at home, school or college. The clubs provide a unique and safe environment where the participants can flourish socially, have fun, relax and express themselves. Many of us take everyday social engagement in our stride and I personally love the social side of running. But it does not come easily to people like my brother; many rely exclusively on family for their social interaction, so attending a weekly club can have a huge positive impact. The social skills gained at the clubs help members access the wider community more effectively and also become more integrated and independent. Some club members have been attending from infancy into early adulthood, facilitating lifelong friendships even while they individually head off on different paths to fulfil their diverse support needs.

In my own personal role as the Finance Director of Solent NHS Trust I am acutely aware of the financial challenges facing charities while they provide ongoing and reliable support to vulnerable families and their carers. Southampton Mencap must raise £16,000 a year (£4,000 per club) to pay for staff, premises, volunteers’ expenses and other running costs.

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