A teacher who will be taking on the challenge of her first Virgin London Marathon credits her two sons with keeping her on the winning track.
Liz Henderson (43), from Blairhall, who teaches at Craigclowan Preparatory School in Perth, will be pounding the capital’s streets on Sunday, April 17, to raise £3000 for the National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland.
The cause is close to Liz’s heart as her son Ewan (11) has autism and Liz knows from personal experience the challenges the condition presents.
Ewan and younger brother Harry (9) also both have Fragile X Syndrome, an inherited condition that causes learning difficulties and is the most common known cause of autism.
Ewan was diagnosed with Fragile X at 23 months, when Liz and husband Stu started to notice their son was not developing as expected, and with autism aged 10.
At just six days old Liz and Stu arranged for Harry to be tested for Fragile X and were stunned to discover he also has the condition.
“On a good day, Ewan can be charming, happy and contented. However, if things don’t go to plan, he can be really difficult to deal with,” said Liz.
“Harry, on the other hand, likes to be in the absolute thick of the action, he does everything at top speed and with boundless energy and enthusiasm, making our lives busy and exciting.
“Harry still finds things like learning to read and write and basic counting a challenge but I’m very proud of the progress he is making.”SupportLiz has been inspired to run her first marathon to highlight the NAS’s support to provide a better world for people affected by autism.
“I wanted to raise awareness and money for NAS as it’s a fantastic charity, offering the right support to families, making an enormous difference to people’s lives.
“I’m training five times a week and I’m looking forward to the big day. It’s going to be tough but thinking of my boys will keep me going strong and my friends and family will be there to support me crossing the finish line.”
Last year an incredible 150 NAS runners raised £236,000, which went towards providing such services as advocacy for education, the befriending scheme, parent to parent support and the help! programme. This year the charity hopes to raise even more.
NAS Scotland national director Dr Robert Moffat said the marathon would attract a crowd of half a million people and he urged runners, viewers and spectators to remember that the same number of people are affected by autism in Scotland.
“Autism is much more common than most people think. That’s why we are so thankful to our runners whose dedication is helping to raise awareness of this lifelong and disabling condition. I wish Liz, and all those taking part for the NAS, the very best of luck.”
To support Liz, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/liz-run.
If anyone has secured their own place in the race this year and is interested in joining the National Autistic Society team, they can call 08450 509 001 or email events@nas.org.uk
Photo by David Wardle.