Being diagnosed as autistic at the age of 45 has inspired a local councillor to take part in a charity fundraiser that involves running 250km during October, writes Sue Fenton.
Gill Thomas, Green district councillor for Minchinhampton near Stroud, plans to participate in the Run for Autism challenge organised by the Autism Initiatives charity. The challenge is to run 40km over the course of the month but Gill, a regular runner, aims to cover six times that distance, including the Stroud Half Marathon, and will be picking up litter on the way.
This is the latest fundraising project by Gill, who is often seen out and about picking up litter. She aims to squeeze in the runs between school pick-ups and meetings.
Gill decided to do the challenge after being diagnosed as autistic in July this year. She explained: “For some people, growing up feeling different can be very lonely and confusing, especially when they don’t understand why. My situation was made more complicated by the loss of my mum when I was 11 years old. For decades, I blamed my social and communication difficulties on that one episode in my life. Now, with my autism diagnosis, I find myself looking back at the experience in a completely different way.”
Gill explained that an estimated 46,300 children lose a parent every year in the UK and those with autistic traits may have their feelings masked, misunderstood or overlooked. “There is still so much we don’t know about the relationship between autism and childhood bereavement. Researchers have described the evidence as limited and fragmented, with support tending to be irregular and inconsistent. Unmet needs can affect confidence and relationships and turn into more complex mental health and social challenges as an adult.”
She added: “We never really know what someone else is carrying, or what has shaped them. It can be easy to make assumptions based on what we see from the outside, or to become frustrated when someone doesn’t behave as we’d expect. So I’m hoping this challenge can not only raise money but also start a few conversations and maybe encourage a little more kindness and compassion too.”
Gill will share the money she raises between Autism Initiatives and another charity, Childhood Bereavement UK. She would be grateful for donations:
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Photos of Gill taking part in various fundraising events are attached.
More details about her fundraising challenge:
https://fundraise.autisminitiatives.org/event/run-for-autism/home
