Firstly, Thank You for visiting my Just Giving page. This year I will be taking on the massive challenge of running the Great Scottish Run Half marathon, on October 2^nd. I took up running in March of this year and have been training hard to get my body (& mind) ready for this challenge. Having only ever ran a 5K before I knew this was going to be a tough journey but I fully believe I can make it to the finish line! The training has had its ups and downs. I have ran through rain, snow, hailstones and on occasions, blistering heat but I’ve kept telling myself ‘I have to keep this up in order to achieve my goal.’ Working a fulltime job and commuting 15 hours a week has meant there have been times I have wanted to give up, but I haven’t, and here’s why...

I will be raising money for Perth Autism Support (PAS). PAS is a registered charity, supporting children under the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with autism, and their families.

My PAS Journey began in 2012 when I started to volunteer for the charity. PAS, in partnership with Horsecross Arts, set up Scotland’s first, and only, youth theatre for young people on the autistic spectrum. Volunteering was a great in sight for me and I quickly learned my understanding of Autism was completely wrong. Through volunteering I broadened my knowledge of autism and with the guidance of the charity I learned how best to support the young people I was working with. In November 2013 I landed the role of youth theatre tutor for the charity and I can honestly say the job has changed my life.

I deliver weekly drama sessions at PAS and from its initial 6-week pilot project the programme has grown from strength to strength- now in its 4^th year!

The youth theatre is a tiny snippet of what the charity offer, they have a vast range of activities for the young people ensuring there is something for all of the children who access the charity.They also have an incredible programme of support for the families and siblings of young people who are on the autistic spectrum. The staff are amazing- they work so hard to make sure the charity grows from strength to strength,whilst
ensuring everyone who already accesses the service gets the right support.

Through working with the charity I have met the most inspiring and amazing mums, dads, sisters, brothers, grannies,grandpas, aunties and uncles, but most importantly I have met thee most amazing young people. I am super proud of the youth theatre groups I teach- I have watched them develop as performers and people. I would say one of the best parts of my job is watching friendships form- friendships that without PAS would probably not exist.

This is my turn to give back to PAS, the charity has given me the most amazing job which I love deeply. When I run, I will be running for every single person who is a part of the PAS family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for memories and experiences that will last a lifetime!