London Flora Marathon - Sunday 13 April 2008
Dave Griffiths ran the Flora London Marathon for Autism Speaks and has raised an incredible £760 so far - his target is £1,000.
"I ran in the 2004 marathon and managed a time of 4.05 and wanted to beat that time however, I completed the marathon this year in 4:21, I'm a bit disappointed to say the least as I really wanted a sub 4hr and I was on schedule until around 20 mile then my hip started to give me a lot of pain, something that has not bothered me in the past.
I walked/ran the next few miles and I knew then that my target had disappeared however, I managed to run the last 1.2 mile and even managed a bit of a sprint over the line.
The crowd was fantastic and made all the difference, and the thought of all the people that had sponsored me kept me going."
His main motivation for taking part in the marathon came from his nephew, Harvey.
Janine Wigmore, Harvey’s Mum has written to tell us a little more about her son.
Harvey is our gorgeous little boy who was diagnosed with autism when he was 2. (He's now 3). He’s a fun-loving and affectionate lad who loves puddles, cuddles and stroking his baby sister’s head. The main way in which his autism affects him is his difficulty with communication. Although he has very few words he can now ask for things with his PECS symbols and enjoys giving us a running commentary on his favourite TV programmes using Makaton signs.
He has lots of sensory problems and is particularly sound sensitive. He gets very distressed, for example, by the telephone and other children crying. Harvey finds the world a very confusing place and so really struggles with changes to routine and the unfamiliar, which can be very challenging.
Harvey does not understand social situations or how to play with other children. But he is learning how to do this at nursery with the help of his super support worker and little friends who like to look after him.
Harvey has lots of allergies. He is allergic to many foods and has to eat the same meals every day (which sounds boring but we think he likes it that way!).
We were so pleased that David has raised funds for Autism Speaks as it is the only charity in the UK supporting research into the causes of autism.
We are very interested in bio medical research, especially because of Harvey’s allergies. We also think that work to improve the detection and diagnosis of autism is very important as autistic children need effective intervention at the earliest opportunity to help fully realise their potential.
Harvey’s little sister has recently participated in the ‘Baby Sibs’ project at the Babylab in Birbeck College, University of London which is investigating this issue and is funded by Autism Speaks.
We hope that by supporting Autism Speaks we will help to shed light on this puzzling and complex condition.”