Sunderland dad's marathon charity challenge for autistic charity

Craig Henderson, 39, from Sunderland, is nearly halfway to his goal of running 100 miles in June in aid of the city-founded North East Autism Society (NEAS).

Craig said: “My daughter, Estie, was diagnosed as autistic last year, so over the last 18 months we’ve been working to get her the right support at school and at home, and as a family have really built up a strong relationship with NEAS.

“I work for BGL Group, which does a lot to support NEAS, and when I was asked to look after the company’s relationship with the charity, I jumped at the chance. They’ve been fantastic, we work together really well.

“NEAS were one of our first points of contact when we got our diagnosis and we’ve had some brilliant support from them.

“I decided that as well as managing BGL’s charity efforts for NEAS, I wanted to do something personally to raise some awareness, and maybe some money for them.”

Although Craig was already in good shape - being a regular runner, a former ice hockey player and a blackbelt - running 100 miles in a month would still be a challenge.

His six-year-old daughter has inspired him and he added: “I’ve run marathons before but reaching this target means doing pretty much the equivalent of a marathon every week, which is about double what I normally run.

“The best part has been getting the little one involved. Estie has been coming down to the running track with me and I’ve never seen a kid with so much energy.

“She has little legs, but she can keep up with me for two miles, and shouts at me to catch up.

“I think we’ll probably get her involved in this sort of thing when she’s older.”

NEAS runs Thornhill Park School, in Plains Farm, Sunderland, for young autistic people.

Craig is also working closely with the organisation to run The Sensory Place, a Sunderland-based group to support parents of children with a range of disabilities and sensory needs.

He has so far raised £150 and can be supported at https://justgiving.com/fundraising/craig-henderson11

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