I got diagnosed with autism in early 2021, and it helped me realise anxiety doesn’t really look the same in autistic people as it does in others. I didn’t even know I had crippling anxiety until my doctor explained it to me.

That’s why I’m running the London Marathon for Autistica, the UK’s national autism research charity. They fund research that actually helps – things like improving mental health support, making workplaces more accessible, and ensuring autistic people live longer, healthier lives.

Getting help and speaking to more autistic people and organisations signposted me towards resources that would help me better understand emotions and how to tackle anxiety. Crucially, being aware of all this also enabled me to be a better advocate for myself in work and at home as well as finally starting to build a more positive self-image after years of thinking meltdowns were my fault.

Through my diagnosis, I got recommended running as part of a sensory diet. It's helped me so much.

And so what better way to continue this journey of advocacy, for me and for everyone with autism, than by taking on the London Marathon and fundraising for Autistica.

If you can spare a few quid, please donate. Your support means a lot – not just to me, but to so many others who need this research to keep going.

About Autistica

Autistica is the UK’s national autism research charity. We focus on giving autistic people the opportunity to live long, happy, healthy lives. We do this by funding research, shaping policy and working with autistic people to understand their needs.