Running Mt Difficulty Extreme Marathon for Autism NZ

Following a recent personal autism diagnosis, and a want to raise awareness for autism in a positive light I'm raising money for Autism NZ. These donations will work towards removing the stigma around autism, increasing understanding of autism, and helping to improve the lives of autistic people.

Autism NZ works to assist autistic people and those who make up their support network to find the right support for the individual. Beyond the individual Autism NZ works to deliver educational programmes and courses, provides information to professionals and the wider public to increase the understanding of autism, and advocates for autistic people on relevant legislation and government policy. Autism NZ works to empower autistic people and raise awareness of autism to promote inclusive behaviours in society.

There shouldn't need to be a reason to want to empower autistic people, but if you need one let it be me doing this marathon on June 8, and my first marathon at that. 'Mt Difficulty Extreme Marathon' - it's in the name really isn't it? Whilst I love the outdoors and running, I know that this will be a big challenge with over 3,200 m elevation gain across 44 km through snowy mountains. For any Welshies reading, that's more than three times up and down Snowdon or more than six times up and down Pen Y Fan!

Any donations would be greatly appreciated and whilst they would help motivate me on the day, in the bigger picture they will help towards supporting others and changing attitudes.