Running for SEN: Supporting Autism, ADHD & Inclusion

Hi, I’m Katy, a 34-year-old mum to an incredible 5 year old boy who lights up my world. Over the next 12 months, I’m taking on a personal mission: to raise awareness and funds for autism, ADHD, and special educational needs (SEN) by running 12 races — four 10Ks, four half marathons, and four full marathons. My first race kicks off this September!

This journey is deeply personal. My son has been waiting over a year for an autism and ADHD assessment and we’ve been told it could take years more. For many families, the wait can be up to eight years. That’s the reality of the broken system SEN parents are navigating every single day.

Since he started preschool, every milestone has been a fight from getting an EHCP to accessing the right support at school. We’re still at the start of this road, but thankfully, we’ve found some light in the darkness.

Fun for Young People (F4YP) is one of those lights. Since January 2025, my son has been attending their after-school and holiday clubs, where he’s welcomed, supported, and celebrated for who he is. He comes home full of joy and as a parent, that feeling is priceless.

The National Autistic Society has also been a lifeline, providing free, reliable information and an online community where parents like me can connect and feel less alone.

This fundraiser will help support these vital charities and raise awareness about the urgent need for better systems, understanding, and inclusion for SEN children and their families. All money raised will be split between the two charities.

If you’ve ever felt judged for your parenting, misunderstood by society, or heartbroken watching your child struggle to fit into a world that wasn’t built for them — I see you.

I’ve been told it’s lazy parenting, that my son lacks discipline, or that I just want to ‘label’ my son. But I wouldn’t change him for anything. He’s not broken he’s different. And different is beautiful.

Please support us — whether it’s through a donation, a share, or a few kind words. Every step I run is for my son, for our children, and for every family fighting to be heard.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Katy