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Making a run for it to raise money for families with autism

Maggie Gwynne

For one lady, Maggie Gwynne, The Wessex Autistic Society's annual Somerley fun run is a chance for her to play a part in raising awareness of autism. Maggie's Sister Barbara has two children, 15 year old Robert and 12 year old Helen, who both suffer with autism. After seeing her sister struggle for help over many years, Maggie was thrilled when her sister found support from The Wessex Autistic Society, so she has decided she wants to give something back.

Maggie says: "The Society has been great for both Barbara and the children. She has had to fight for support for years and didn't know where to turn to until she discovered the Society's helpline. The charity provides vital support for her and her children particularly for my niece Helen, who has a more severe form of autism and needs extra support as she will never be able to live an independent life. For those who have never had any experience of autism, people who care or support someone with autism can face a daily struggle. While I can provide some support for my family, I felt I wanted to do more, so I decided I would take part in the 5k Somerley run to raise awareness for the charity- it's such a worthwhile cause."

The Society supports thousands of people with autism in Dorset with their services for adults and children including Portfield School.  Getting the community more involved in the charity's work is vital as many of the services available, such as the free information and advice line that helped Barbara, are run solely on donations. 

Maggie hopes others will be inspired to join her in the Somerley run in association with Nationwide, which is now in its 8^th year. Both the 5k and 10k runs will start at 11am on Sunday 28^th December within the private Somerley Estate, Ringwood. The 5k run is back by popular demand.

Helen, Maggie's sister Barbara and Robert Registration is £10 and every entrant who raises over £20 worth of sponsorship will receive a free Ruby Runners t-shirt. The entrant who raises the most sponsorship will win a round of golf for four people with bacon butties and hot drinks at Parley Golf Centre. Every runner will receive a medal, drinks and chocolate and there are prizes for the fastest three male and female runners.

For general information or to enter the race visit: http://www.twas.org.uk/   or to sponsor Maggie please visit her fundraising page:  http://www.justgiving.com/maggiegwynne

Additional Information

Local charity, the Wessex Autistic Society was formed 40 years ago by a group of parents of children with autism. It is a voluntary organisation, which aims to ensure that all people with autism and related conditions, and their carers, in the Wessex region, have access to appropriate education, care, support, and development services. The Society covers Dorset, Somerset, West Hampshire and Wiltshire.

The Society is committed to ensuring that people with autism should enjoy the same rights and privileges as the rest of the population, including the right to accessible and suitable activities.

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