CLARE & CAROL’s CHALLENGE for Cynon Valley PALS.

We will both run:

🏃‍♀️ The NOS GALON on December 31st 2024

🏃‍♀️ The Winter Warmer Cardiff HALF MARATHON on February 6th 2025

🏃‍♀️ The NEWPORT FULL MARATHON on April 13th 2025

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Clare will also run:

🏃‍♀️The LONDON MARATHON on April 27th 2025.

Cynon Valley PALS work tirelessly to support local children who have additional needs and their families. They rely on grants and donations in order to provide much needed lifelines. We have both received this support first hand with our children. This is our way of giving something back. Any funds raised will not be spread nationally, they will be used directly to help local families in the Cynon Valley.

We are aware that this is going to be a MASSIVE challenge in terms of training and fundraising. Neither of us have run for a long time. Carol has never run a full marathon. We are both working mothers. Life isn’t always easy, in fact it can be really tough. This is not just for us but for ALL of our ‘Autism / PALS family’.

Our reasons to run are for our children to show that anything is possible and also if you want to see a change in the world, you have to do your small part to bring about that change.

Autism plays a huge part in both of our lives.

'From Clare':

'Josh was diagnosed with autism in 2017 and epilepsy in 2024 but I 'knew' long before that. Josh had no fear of danger, Sleep was non existent, Josh did not respond to his name or understand gestures and would run at every given opportunity. The first few years of his life are a blur of a fear of the unknown and endless appointments.

Looking back, I spent far too much time worrying. Although Josh struggled socially, he was happy and healthy and still is now. Josh is a kind, loving, clever, very honest (and handsome) 10 year old boy who has a wicked sense of humour. There is never a dull moment and if you want an honest opinion, he is the best person to ask.

Josh loves spending time with family and friends and being out on adventures particularly at the beach and caravan. Academically he is thriving in School. He loves everything about trains and numbers. Josh loves quiz shows, The Apprentice and Coldplay. I genuinely believe that he has taught me to be a better person. He is fearless, brave and doesn't let anything stand in his way.'

'From Carol':

'People often ask when I knew that Jacob had autism - I knew just after his 1st birthday. I didn't know his diagnosis or anything about autism but I knew there was something special about Jacob.

The journey started with investigations. Jacob was diagnosed in 2014, we were given 'the book' and were told to find a like minded community, which we did in Cynon Valley pals. At that time I only knew 1 person who had a child with autism. I remember feeling desperate for information, help, support, training, whatever it took. Even though family and friends were supportive, it is not until you meet other people who have walked a similar line to you that you truly have the right connections. It is an evolving whirlwind experience but I wouldn't want it any other way.

We try to focus on the positive, not so much on the negative. When I see Jacob randomly skip I know he is happy and that is all that counts.'

Gracie and Mya are both registered as Young Carers. They both advocate for their brothers, raise awareness and are fiercely protective. They are also part of the rollercoaster that is autism.

We both believe that different should not mean less. We are both very determined (and possibly a bit nutty too). We have laughed together, we have fought for support together, we have cried together and now WE WILL RUN TOGETHER (a lot ).

We are aiming to raise a minimum of £2500. Any support, no matter how small is always welcome.