Hi, I’m Katy, a 34 year old mum to an incredible 6 year old boy who lights up my world. Over the next 12 months, I’m taking on a personal mission: to raise awareness for autism, ADHD, and special educational needs (SEN) and raise money for charity 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.

When he was just 4 and started pre-school, we were given a behaviour plan. Not long after, I was called in by the school who suggested he might have additional needs. By the time he started Reception, his struggles with dysregulation became more obvious, and we were referred to the community paediatrics team for an autism and ADHD assessment.

This was the beginning of my true understanding of autism and what life is like through his eyes. His world may be a little different, but it’s also incredible and beautiful in ways I never expected. He has special interests, dinosaurs and cars especially, and really needs routine and predictability. Sensory experiences bring him so much joy especially water! He was so proud to earn his Level 1 swimming certificate.

Now at six, we’re still learning together, especially when it comes to emotions and self-regulation. Some days are difficult, demand avoidance can make even simple parenting moments a challenge. Instead of using the word “no,” we take a gentler approach to help him reach the same outcome. School has been particularly hard: four exclusions already in Year 1, unable to access the classroom, and falling further behind academically. It’s tough watching your child struggle simply because the world isn’t built for his needs.

We’re still at the start of this journey, 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 equally 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.

I just want to finish with something special.

In school, there is this one little boy. This one little boy plays by himself. This one little boy is always last to be chosen. This one little boy sits outside the classroom.

He flaps his hands when he is happy, he shouts when he is sad, he covers his ears when it’s loud, he runs when it’s busy.

But this one little boy gives you a hug when your sad, a blanket when your poorly and will help when he can.

This one little boy has a routine, this one little boy has a safe space, this one little boy learns through play, this one little boy just wants to be friends.

Don’t be scared of this one little boy.

Be kind, Be accepting, Be understanding.

This one little boy is my amazing boy

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.

We’re not alone in this and there are so many families walking the same path.

Thank you for reading and being part of our village. Every bit of kindness and acceptance makes a world of difference to children like mine.