Southampton Marathon in aid of Parents for Autism

I will be running my first ever marathon on 22nd April 2018. The Southampton marathon is a two lap route around the City. As if 26.2 miles wasn’t hard enough, there are also a few inclines which total around 500ft. I started to get into running 3-4 years ago but I have only been training seriously for 6 months and have completed two half marathon races. It’s going to be hard work to push myself to 26 miles but it’s something I’ve always wanted to achieve. My four and a half hours (optimistic target) of pain will be in aid of Parents for Autism. Parents for Autism is a Worthing based support group which meets bi-monthly. Although great work is being done to raise awareness of autism, it is still very common for parents and close family of children with autism to feel isolated, helpless and emotionally exhausted. Growing up with a sibling with autism, I experienced and witnessed these feelings often. Parents for Autism has provided a meeting place and social network which connects struggling parents with other parents who have been through the same experiences. Meeting and speaking with parents that can truly understand and empathise has been a huge relief and comfort to members. Furthermore, it can provide a wealth of information and guidance as well as access to professional support as and when required. The group has been running since 2009 and currently has 350 members. A quote from one member: “What can I say... Finding this group saved me! I no longer feel alone in fighting for everything my son needs.” The group is self funded and your donations will go towards provision of a venue for meetings, refreshments and arranging the occasional guest speaker or group activity. Thank you for visiting the page and for every donation.