The National Autistic Society

This October, I'm taking on my first challenge by running 40km to raise money for the National Autistic Society (NAS).

When my daughter, Phoebe, was diagnosed with autism, my world changed overnight.

She is the most beautiful, funny and loving little girl, but as a parent, all I could think about was the unknown.

Would she ever tell me she loved me? Would we have conversations together? Would she be happy? The questions felt endless, and the uncertainty was overwhelming.

What I didn't realise at the time was how much it was affecting me. I stopped sleeping, I struggled at work, and I felt like I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. Looking back, I know I was in a mental health crisis.

Eventually, I did something that changed everything—I asked for help.

The National Autistic Society gave my family the information, support and reassurance we desperately needed. They helped us understand autism, gave us hope, and reminded us that we weren't facing this journey alone.

Today, Phoebe is thriving in her own amazing way. She loves dancing to Moana, gives the best cuddles, and hearing her say "Daddy" and "Mummy" is something I'll never take for granted. She still has her own challenges, but every new word, every new achievement and every smile means more than I can put into words.

I can't change the challenges my daughter will face, but I can do something to help other families who are standing exactly where we once stood—scared, overwhelmed and searching for answers.

That's why I've applied for a place in the London Marathon. If I'm not successful in the ballot, I'll be running another marathon instead. The marathon isn't what's important—the cause is.

I'm running for Phoebe.

I'm running for every parent who lies awake worrying about their child's future.

And I'm running to support the National Autistic Society, so they can continue to be there for families when they need it most.

If you're able to donate, no matter how much, you'll be helping provide life-changing support, advice and hope to autistic people and their families.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting me, supporting Phoebe, and supporting such an incredible cause.

Hi, I wanted to share why I’m doing the London to Brighton bike ride. My son Tyler has ADHD and autism, and as he gets older he’s starting to realise that things can sometimes be a bit different for him. School can be difficult and confusing at times, and I think children like Tyler deserve the right understanding and support to help them get the best out of themselves.

I’m raising money for the National Autistic Society and we’ve already reached £500, just over halfway towards the goal. Hopefully the money raised can help towards better understanding and support for children like Tyler.

If you’d like to help, you can donate or share the fundraiser ❤️

Want to join me in making a difference? I’m raising money to benefit The National Autistic Society, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

As most people know by now our eldest son Hunter was diagnosed with Autism. He is classed as non verbal, but is slowly making progress in finding his voice and ways to communicate.

We are constantly researching and trying to learn more about Autism. If it wasnt for charities like this one, there wouldnt be more research appearing.

I have only started running this year, so it is still not an easy task to go for a run! Any donations towards this cause would be so appreciated.

Thank you!

:)

More information about The National Autistic Society: Founded in 1962, we are the UK's leading charity for autistic people and their families. Our goal is to help transform the lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.

Want to join me in making a difference?

I am running the London 2027 marathon with The National Autistic Society and I am super excited to be given this opportunity!

More information about The National Autistic Society: Founded in 1962, we are the UK's leading charity for autistic people and their families. Our goal is to help transform the lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.

This is a charity that means a huge amount to me both personally and professionally. From working with autistic children and their families, I’ve seen first-hand the difference that understanding, acceptance, support and the right services can make to autistic people and those around them.

Autism is also something that has touched my own family, with family members who are autistic. On top of this, I’m currently going through the process of being assessed for an autism diagnosis myself. While everyone’s experience of autism is different, this has given me an even more personal connection to the cause and made me reflect on how important it is that autistic people are listened to, understood and supported throughout their lives.

I’m running the London Marathon not only to challenge myself physically and mentally, but to raise awareness and much-needed funds for a cause that is genuinely close to my heart.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help the National Autistic Society continue supporting autistic people and their families, improving understanding of autism, and campaigning for a society where autistic people can live the lives they choose.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for supporting me on this journey. Every donation and share means more than you know.

Let’s do this for autism acceptance, understanding and support. ‍♀️

Its almost time for our little wolf cub Freya to complete her first ever Wolf Run!! She will be joining her Daddy, Andrew, to raise money for a charity that means a lot to us! The National Autistic Society. Having two children with ASD, Freya and Jaxon,this charity provide priceless information, education and resources for so many families like our own! Please if you cannot donate, then share! Thank you! Love from the Hornbys!

Running for Cooper

If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be preparing to run the London Marathon, I honestly wouldn’t have believed you.

I’m a mum of two, and my son Cooper is at the heart of everything I do. Cooper is a wonderful, funny and completely unique little boy who has additional needs and requires a huge amount of support in everyday life.

I’ve chosen to run the London Marathon for the National Autistic Society because autism is a huge part of our lives, and I want to help support a charity that works to improve the lives of autistic people and their families.

For me, this run is about so much more than crossing a finish line.

I want to raise awareness, raise money and show other families like ours that they are not alone. I know first-hand how overwhelming it can be trying to navigate a world that isn’t always designed with our children in mind. The right support, understanding and opportunities can make such a huge difference to autistic people and their families.

I’ve already pushed myself to complete a half marathon, but now I’m taking on the biggest challenge of my life — 26.2 miles around London.

And I’ll be doing it through the cold, the rain, the dark winter mornings, the tired legs and all the moments where I’ll probably question my life choices because every mile will have a purpose.

I’ll be running every mile with Cooper in my heart.

If you can donate, no matter how big or small, I would be incredibly grateful. Your donation will help the National Autistic Society continue the vital work they do for autistic people and their families.

And if you can’t donate, sharing this page would mean just as much to us. ❤️

This is for Cooper.

This is for our family.

And this is for every autistic person and family who deserves to be understood, supported and accepted.

26.2 miles. One very determined mum. One very special reason.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

In October, I’m running my first half marathon in aid of the National Autistic Society, an incredible charity working tirelessly to help transform the lives of autistic people like myself. As the leading Uk charity for autistic individuals and their families, they aim to change attitudes and create a society that supports us and allows us to grow and thrive. In a society where autism is still surrounded by so much stigma, the work of the National Autism Society to change attitudes towards autistic people is unbelievably important and personal to me. Please consider donating to help change the lives of the thousands of autistic people in the Uk and create a kinder environment for us to thrive.

Thank you

Being autistic myself, I know how hard it can be in day to day life when the world is made for neurotypicals. Raising money by running and by selling things I either have excess of or no longer need, as well as baking.

Want to join me in making a difference? I’m raising money to benefit The National Autistic Society, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about The National Autistic Society: Founded in 1962, we are the UK's leading charity for autistic people and their families. Our goal is to help transform the lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.

any donation is wonderful

My name is Kerry Cousins, and in 2027 I'll be taking on the challenge of the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise money for the National Autistic Society. This incredible charity provides vital support, guidance, and advocacy for autistic people and their families, helping to create a more understanding and inclusive society. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help make a real difference to the lives of those affected by autism. Your support will not only help me cross the finish line but will also contribute to the amazing work of the National Autistic Society. Thank you so much for your kindness, encouragement, and generosity—it truly means the world to me.

More information about The National Autistic Society: Founded in 1962, we are the UK's leading charity for autistic people and their families. Our goal is to help transform the lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.

All donations go directly to the charity.

On 25th July, I will be running a marathon (26.2 mile) around Newport. I will start from Kore Gym and finish at Kore Gym- I’m raising money to benefit The National Autistic Society, and any donation will help make an impact. I have chosen this charity to raise Awarness for autism because it is close to me and my families hearts.

Any donations big or small will be greatly appreciated. I will also be wearing a t-shirt for any local companies looking to donate and promote their brand.

More information about The National Autistic Society: Founded in 1962, we are the UK's leading charity for autistic people and their families. Our goal is to help transform the lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.