Four years ago I never imagined I would be 'attempting' to do the Great North Run. Back then I was heavily pregnant waiting for our baby to be born, (he kept us waiting for 15 days after his due date!).

Paddy was born in September 2012, just days before Rod, (his daddy) ran the Great North Run.

Our little boy developed 'typically,' hitting all his milestones. He was a happy, friendly, loving baby. When he was about 18 months old, everything seemed to change. He stopped saying the few words he had picked up, instead of smiling he cried, he no longer interacted with us, looked us in the eye or responded to his name. 

Paddy was diagnosed with autism last July. We were devastated!

We have been lucky to have amazing support from our family and local autism charities. One of these charities is The Toby Henderson Trust. They have given us emotional and practical support as well as working with Paddy to help him interact and communicate. 

Paddy is making steady progress. He is still non verbal but can communicate using Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) where he uses pictures to make simple requests, (usually for food!).

This year I am 'attempting' to do the Great North Run to thank The Toby Henderson Trust for everything that they do!  They support so many families and have given us hope for the future.

....Four years ago I never imagined I would attempt to do the Great North Run, but four years ago I never imagined we would need the support of this amazing charity! 

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