This October, I’m running 100 miles for the National Autistic Society, but more importantly, I’m doing it for my daughter, Etta. She is the most beautiful girl in the world, inside and out, and I know the National Autistic Society will help her flourish as she grows up.

In light of recent scare-mongering from the USA, and the many inadequate measures here in the UK for autistic people, I feel compelled to act in some way. Even my own local council (Stockport) has withdrawn funding for provision at Etta’s school and won’t explain why. That’s frustrating enough for me, but imagine how much more frustrating it is for autistic people, especially children, who have to navigate these systems every day.

The National Autistic Society helps the 700,000 autistic people in the UK and their families, whether that’s through running specialist schools, campaigning for better rights, or training companies to be more autism-friendly. They are dedicated to transforming lives and changing attitudes.

Your support means the world to me, to the incredible Etta and to countless other families. Every donation will help create a society that truly works for autistic people. Thank you.