On 27 April, Rob and Dan will be running the Maer Half Marathon up and over the cliffs of sunny Devon to raise money for the National Autistic Society.

Why this cause in particular? As well as being best mates for almost 18 years, Rob and Dan have personal links with neurodiversity.

While he is still waiting on an official diagnosis from the NHS, Rob’s son, Elijah, has faced development delays since the age of one. He has an excellent care network in place at school in Exmouth to ensure he gets the learning support he needs, while at home, Rob, and wife Darina, have adapted their lives to suit Elijah’s needs.

Dan also has close links to neurodiversity among his nearest and dearest, with autism being a cause that is particularly close to his heart. As such, running in aid of the National Autistic Society is the perfect fit.

While awareness of conditions such as autism and ADHD is on the increase, the fact is that neurodiversity remains hugely underfunded and under supported. One only has to look at the length of time to get an official diagnosis on the NHS – circa four years in East Devon – to recognise this.

This is why charities such as the National Autistic Society are so important. Not only do they support those dealing with neurodiversity but also do so much to raise awareness among the wider community, generating crucial funds along the way.

Running the Maer Half is the least Rob and Dan can do help organisations like the National Autistic Society. Without generous donations, these charities would not survive and those who depend on them would lose out on so much

Add in that April is World Autism Awareness Month, and the timing could not be better.

So, if you can spare a few quid to support Rob and Dan on their 13.1-mile mission at the end of April, please do consider donating. We’ll be updating our page in the lead up to and after race day to let you all know how we get on!

Thank you

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