Having run the London Marathon in 2023, I want to take on my next challenge to raise money for The Kent Autistic Trust [KAT]. I will be running 3... that's 3.... 50k Ultra Marathons in 2024.

Are You Mad?

Having ran the London Marathon last year, from 0 running background, in 6 months, I can finally deduce, that YES. I am mad. Even more so for taking on my next challenge.

Have you started training?

18 Months into my running journey and I have begun training. I have just completed my first 'training race' at Olympic Park Half Marathon, where I finished in 2:10. My next 'training race' is Brighton Marathon on 7th April. I can't believe I'm running a marathon as a training race. Unthinkable 18 months ago.

Why have you chosen The Kent Autistic Trust Family Support as your charity?

Last year, my eldest son, Jake, was diagnosed as Autistic. His school and preschool have been outstanding in recognising this so early in his development and we really can’t thank them enough for the continued help and support they are giving to Jake.

Since then, our youngest son Zack has been placed onto the autism and ADHD pathway, to eventually obtain a diagnosis. It is a long process and can take 3 years, but in the meantime, Zack is getting excellent support from his preschool with as much extra help as possible.

Autism is extremely close to the hearts of my family and we are hoping to raise as much awareness and much needed funds as possible for this local charity.

What is Autism?

Autism affects the way a person communicates and how they experience the world around them. It is considered a spectrum condition. While autistic people share some similar characteristics, they are also all different from each other. The autism spectrum isn't linear from high to low, but varies, just as one person might vary from another. Some autistic people are able to live relatively independent lives, but others may face additional challenges. Some autistic people have learning disabilities, which means their support needs are different.

Autism is a hidden or invisible disability. You can’t see if someone is autistic just by looking at them and some people might not have been diagnosed when you meet them. There are some behaviours and ways of communication that an autistic person may use, but these aren't universal as every autistic person is different. The characteristics of autism vary from one person to another, but there are four main areas of difference. Social Interaction, Social Imagination, Social Communication and Sensory Differences.

For more info, please go to the Kent Autistic Trust Website.

What Do The Kent Autistic Trust Family Support Do?

The short answer is, they do a huge amount!

The Kent Autistic Trust has been providing support for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other associated difficulties since 1989, supporting people who have significant behaviour, developmental and communication needs within various community settings including: registered homes, specialist and intensive supported living, community day resource centres, Family Support service and support groups.

These groups are for families, parents and carers of children and young people, to develop a community network to help each other through difficult times. This includes building friendships as well as having the opportunity to discuss ideas, concerns and information, talk about the individual challenges faced, with people who understand and share the same difficulties.

The Family Support unit is offered as a completely free service, which last year, cost in excess of £100,000 to run.

My wife, Hayleigh, and I are very lucky to have an incredible support network around us. Other families aren't quite so lucky. However, it is reassuring that dedicated professionals are there to support us and so many other Kent Based Families. Whether it be providing and clarifying information, or helping cope with the more 'difficult' days, they are there for so many of us.

Let's Get To It

Thank you for taking the time to consider pledging a donation. I will do my very best throughout 2024.

All charities are important and all are desperately needing funds, especially given the current economic climate. Thank you so much for considering a charity, that is so close to my heart.