A huge thank you to Jeff, who recently completed his 12th marathon for Autistica, earning the prestigious six-star medal.
We still don't know enough about autism and what we can do to help make autistic people's lives easier. It’s important to focus on all parts of the community, not just those who can advocate for themselves.
Since 2011, Superstar Jeff has run 12 marathons for Autistica and raised over £230,000. Last month, he completed the Tokyo Marathon and was awarded the prestigious six-star medal for completing marathons in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York.
Jeff is passionate about supporting research to create breakthroughs for autistic people like his 17-year-old son, Fred.
Jeff said:
"My son Fred was diagnosed in 2010 when he was two and a half. We were given a pamphlet, a list of local special education needs schools and the number of an autism charity. That was it.
"We didn't know where else to turn and found it hard to weigh up the information we found on our own. We explored some interventions that did not have a proven evidence base. Nothing harmful, but in hindsight a waste of time, energy, and money. Thankfully we met other parents and professionals who provided great advice and helped us get Freddie good support.
"Fred is seventeen. He struggles with managing anxiety and finds change difficult. But he’s come a long way over the years, which is great to see.
Research is important so that you have proven support people can turn to."
Jeff and Fred together in the garden
After Fred was diagnosed, Jeff wanted to run the London Marathon to support autism research. Jeff had barely run a mile before, so his experienced running friend convinced him to try a 10k first.
Jeff continued: "I think many people who sponsored my first 10k didn't think I could finish! I raised over £20,000, the largest total I’ve ever raised. After that, I fell in love with both running and fundraising. Both set off a bunch of endorphins. On race day, when things get hard, I’ll think, 'It's not just me running this race. I’m running this for Fred and all of my supporters who have sponsored me. I want to make them proud."
Thank you, Jeff! Your marathon efforts help drive breakthroughs that will enable all autistic people to live happy, healthy, long lives.