Back in the summer of 2024, my gorgeous son, Oscar, was given an Autism diagnosis. From about the age of 1 there were signs of something going on that wasn’t typical. After a few years of contact with specialists, speech and language therapy, heaps of support with behaviour and communication, we were given an answer. I always knew it was something, but was never certain on Autism. He didn’t display all of the typical characteristics one would expect, so when receiving his diagnosis I realised there was so much more to learn and know about Autism and how it can affect people so broadly and differently. We not only need more awareness and teaching on autism, but families need constant support to help their child grow and develop into the most amazing people we know that they can be.

Amaze is a charity that gives information, advice and support to families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Brighton & Hove and Sussex. They also support young people with SEND up to 25.

On March 2nd 2025 I will be running the Brighton half marathon to not only raise awareness and support for autism but to also raise money to support this amazing charity that works tirelessly with family’s with children with disabilities. I have never been a runner. Running is something that I have struggled with since I can remember. I was never the sporty one! I can tell you that me training for a half marathon will never compare to the challenges that my sweet Oscar has to go through daily just to live his life. I wanted to push myself far out of my comfort zone in support of Oscar , to show how you can do anything you want , and channel just how proud of him I am.

So please, if you are able to, I’d love to continue my support for him but also to all of the other children locally that struggle, and to their families, raise some money to support Amaze so we can all work hard to thrive as best we can!