Why am I fundraising for the National Autistic Society?

Why am I doing it?

Me with Peter at his favourite spot near Birkacre pond

My nephew, Peter, is autistic and was diagnosed with the condition in 2007.  My sister and her husband inspire me with the way they deal with the daily challenge that autism brings.  He is now in Year 1 at Hillside Special School and making great progress at the school but still faces challenges.  My sister has a network of friends who also live with autism on a day-to-day existence.  I've met inspiring people that live with autism everyday.  Hopefully, I can help by raising awareness of autism.

Autism is a serious and complex developmental disability - it will affect Peter and thousands like him for life.  By running marathons and climbing in the Himalayas, with you supporting me, we can together help the N.A.S. continue to provide vital help for people living with autism throughout the UK.

A LITTLE ABOUT PETER...BY MY SISTER AND PETER'S MUM

"Peter often finds our world difficult to cope with  - to him it is a mass confusion of people and places, a bit like being in a foreign country where you don't speak the language.  He has limited speech and therefore finds communicating and making friends difficult.  He finds it hard doing things like riding a bike, playing football, learning to write - and lots of other things that you might take for granted with a typical child his age.  Peter has a love of routine - everything we do has to be very carefully planned and explained to him in ways that he might understand - often through pictures.  His senses are disordered - this affects his behaviour, sleeping, eating and toileting and more besides. 

Despite the challenges as a family we face, Peter helps us appreciate the simple things in life.  Peter is most happy and relaxed in the outdoors - if there is a muddy puddle to be found, he will be the first one there!  And, let's not forget Ted - he is only 3 - naturally it is hard trying to see to his needs and Peter's at the same time - but he is a little star and can't quite do it justice in words, but there is definitely a special love between them.  They both make us feel proud...."