When I first decided to take on The North Coast 500, I wasn’t planning to fundraise. But as the start date approaches, I’ve realised it would be a missed opportunity. Not just to raise money, but to raise awareness for something deeply personal to me in ways that I can't: female neurodiversity, especially autism.

For a long time, I struggled with my mental health without really understanding why. I was diagnosed with autism at 27 and ADHD at 29. Those diagnoses didn’t give me all the answers, but they gave me something: a sense of understanding, connection, and relief. I finally felt less alone and less broken.

I’m running the north coast 500 to help challenge the stigma around neurodivergence, to shine a light on the different ways people live, cope, and thrive. I believe that if I -and others -had known more earlier, things might have been different. I want to help change the narrative. I want to be a voice for those who are still searching for theirs, and support those willing to listen and learn.

That’s why I’ve chosen to raise money for The Autistic Girls Network. At first, I hesitated because of the gender-specific name and what people might think about me for picking a charity that isn't gender neutral, but the more I learned, the more I saw how closely their mission aligns with my values. They support not only autistic girls and women, but also the families, teachers, and professionals around them. They offer training, resources, and education to help foster understanding and connection.

This is a smaller, lesser-known charity, but that’s part of why it matters. Every pound raised can make a tangible difference.

So if my story resonates with you, or if you believe in a world that better understands and supports neurodivergent people, please consider donating. No amount is too small.

Thank you for reading and for being part of this journey with me. 💜