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Craig, Roy and Wayne  are taking part in the London Marathon (25th April) to raise money for CLAN to build their new support centre in Aberdeen.

For those of you who do not know I, Wayne, am the Personal Assistant to Craig Wilson- 22 years old-, which includes being his Support Runner. I have been extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity of supporting Craig in the community for the last 10 years. We have been succesful in gaining places in the forthcoming London Marathon in April 2010 along with our fellow runner and good friend, Roy McKandie.

Craig has Autistic Spectrum Disorder, (ASD) and a Learning Disability. Despite the difficulties he experiences in everyday life he is extremly out-going and 'lives life to the full! A few years ago Craig OVERHEARD me saying that I was running the 10k Baker Hughes in Aberdeen and asked if he could join me. Despite the struggle and people thinking we were MAD, we both completed the race in just over one hour. Physically draining, somewhat emotional, but worth every minute! Subsequently, he has remained focussed and committed to his running and we have successfully completed many other 10km runs and two half marathons in Moray. The London Marathon will be our biggest achievement to date, where we hope to reinforce what someone like Craig can achieve as opposed to the emphasis on what they cannot. The flights and hotels are booked, so no going back now.

Craig is a total inspiration and to be quite honest, I could not be privelaged with a better job where we see each other as equals, and where, throughout time, a strong bond has developped between us, which we are sure will be 'life long!' 

We both started running with Jog Scotland, Rosemount,  Aberdeen a few years ago, initially supported by Jane, (our Coach), where Craig's parent's hopes were to identify a main stream activity that their son could fit into; and he certainly has. It is undeniable the support and somewhat adoration his fellow runners have for Craig, and as such they have supported him consistently, especially during his fundraising. More importantly, Craig's  life has been totally enhanced,in respect to one of his biggest difficulties, that is, appropriate social interaction.

Appropriate interaction, which comes naturally to most can often be difficult for Craig and many others with ASD. Developed, through Craig's running and other experiences, Craig has learned how to interact better with others and this has been recognised by many individuals within our running group and friends and family at large.

Whilst Craig is raising monies by running the Marathon for a well deserved Charity, The National Autistic Society,  both Roy and I have chosen CLAN due to the amazing support they are deliverering to Craig's mum, Alison Wilson.

Please support us at any level.

 

Kind Regards

Craig, Wayne and Roy

(Jog Scotlanders)

Roy is also running in the Edinburgh Marathon on 23rd May

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So please dig deep and donate now.

Many thanks

Roy & Wayne