Ellie Lovegrove

Why I am running

Hi my name is Ellie,

Throughout the month of October, my family and I have made a commitment to raise funds for Autism Australia by participating in Run for Autism. 🏃🏽‍♀️

 This cause hits very close to home for me and my family as 10 year old son Quann received his 'official' Level 2 Autism diagnosis in 2025.

From the outside, our life might look pretty normal and functional. Behind the scenes, though, our days and weeks are filled with specialist appointments, routines, schedules, predictability, emotional regulation, adapting to Quann’s individual needs and, most importantly, endless advocacy to make sure he has the support he needs to participate, learn and thrive.

Over the past few years, one of the biggest things we have learnt is that no two autistic people are the same. Autism isn't one-size-fits-all, and every child can present differently.

We have also become increasingly aware of the challenges surrounding the recognition and understanding of autism in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. There is still a need for greater awareness and culturally informed understanding of the different ways our kids may present. Behaviours associated with autism can sometimes be misunderstood as a child simply being "difficult", "naughty" or having behavioural problems, rather than recognising that there may be an underlying developmental, sensory, communication or support need.

For our First Nations kids, early recognition, culturally safe assessment and access to the right support can make such an important difference.

So this October, I'm not only running for Quannie. 💙

I'm running for greater understanding.
I'm running for the kids whose needs haven't been recognised yet.
I'm running for the families who are still fighting to be heard.
And I'm running to help create a future where our kids are understood and supported for exactly who they are.

And I'd LOVE for you to join us! 🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♂️

You can support us by donating, sharing our fundraiser, or even better — join our Run for Autism team and help us clock up the kilometres and reach our fundraising goal together!

Every kilometre, every share and every dollar helps. 💙🫶🏽

I’m joining the movement to Run for Autism. But I need your help.

Why am I running 70km this October? Because 70% of Autistic people face mental health challenges.

I’m running towards a more inclusive world where Autistic Australians have the opportunity to thrive. 

Please donate now and show your support to my fundraiser.  You’ll be helping provide early diagnosis, autism-specific education, and critical research into mental health issues experienced by Autistic people so they can access the support they need to realise their different brilliant®. 

You’ll also give me the motivation I need to log my kilometres as I go the distance throughout October. Donate now to show your support. 

Thank you!

My Running Activity

Distance Run

103 KM

My Target

100 KM

Thank you for your brilliant donation

$107

Rachele Dearman

Brilliant work for such a meaningful cause. Quann is so lucky to have you in his corner 💪💕

$107

Aunty Brus

🖤💛❤️

$104

Deb Edwards

From our family to yours because we love our children unconditionally - for Quannie and Ruby xx

$56

Kerri Coulthard

Proud of u Darla 💜

$56

Ellie Lovegrove

$50

Ttbm Xx

What a great cause guys. You got this 💪 ❤️TTBM

$29

Jess Collinson 💜

We love yous x