Why am I doing it?

I am taking part in the Great North Run to fundraise for Cleaswell Hill School, a registered charity near my home town in Northumberland.

Cleaswell Hill is a community school for 180 children with physical difficulties, medical or emotional needs, and others identified as being within the autistic spectrum. On a personal level it also provides support to my cousin's son Paddy and the rest of our family.

As a charity the school is reliant on fundraising and they are currently focused on raising money for a hydrotherapy pool to provide life enhancing opportunities for all of the children.

Overall my friends, colleagues and family helped raise £1,152 in 2017 towards the hydrotherapy fund!

A little bit more about Paddy

Paddy, who is now 5, was diagnosed with autism just before his third birthday. With autism he has complex communication difficulties. He is non-verbal, does not initiate interaction, rarely responds to his name or to simple directions/instructions. Going to a new place and trying new things can him distress and he has no sense of danger.

Paddy attends Cleaswell Hill School which offer him excellent teaching and support to enrich his life.