Your Running Inspiration

CHRIS

A Dad Inspired by His Little Legend, Tommy

"I came across Aspect Australia as our son Tommy was diagnosed with Autism at age 2 and a half. Now 4, we go through all the steps to ensure that he has the best support possible for his development and growth. Tommy is the coolest little dude ever, a water lover and an amazing swimmer, he has found what he loves to do. Raising an autistic child who is non verbal only adds to the stressful nature of parenthood. Financially, it requires a lot of support that may not be funded through the NDIS or other means. We are in a very lucky position ourselves to be able to afford this but understand not everyone is. This is why I took to fundraise for Aspect Australia, to be able to ensure that those who are impacted by Autism are able to get the best support possible. Whilst it is only my first year fundraising, it wont be my last as I am dedicated to helping Aspect Australia and all the amazing work they do."

Chris is top of the Leaderboard and has raised an amazing $14,621 and is completing a 100km run! 

DECLAN

Running strong for himself and every Autistic person.

"I was diagnosed with autism at 6 years old, and was very fortunate enough to receive a lot of support as I was growing up. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but I strongly believe that without the support and understanding of who I am, I wouldn’t be doing all the things I am today. This is part of why I am so passionate about what Aspect does to support autistic Australians!

I am also a disability support worker and a runner, making Run for Autism something I am very grateful to be able to support. Running is my greatest interest, and it provides me with routine, a fantastic community, and regulation. That feeling of being on edge is taken away when I run.

I am super excited for the opportunity to test myself during my 3rd marathon, and also have a cause I’m passionate about as motivation. I’m doing this not only for myself but for all autistic people."

Declan completed his Melbourne Marathon and has raised over $1,400 for Run for Autism.

MICHAEL

Dad on a mission to support other families and get fit.

“I’m 35 years old and my eldest daughter, Sunday, has profound autism (Level 3, non-verbal). She’s 5 in February.

I saw Run for Autism online a few months ago and thought it was a great cause that helps support families that need and deserve it.
(I know we wouldn’t have made the progress we have over the years with Sunday without support.)

Secondly, I have some fitness goals I want to achieve for myself. I’m a retired AFL footballer, and I’ve definitely let my fitness slip over the past two years, and what better motivation to kick back into gear than to run 140km in a month, with my daughter as my motivation and inspiration.

This is a great cause, and autism impacts so many Australians and their families. The least I can do is try to help raise some money.”

Michael is running 140km and has already raised over an amazing $5,500!

LEONIE

A mum on a mission who is inspired every day by her daughters’ courage.

"I’m a proud mum to two incredible Autistic twin daughters, and every day I’m inspired by their strength, resilience, and unique way of seeing the world. I’ve witnessed not only their amazing abilities but also the challenges they face, and they continue to teach me so much about courage and love.They, along with all autistic Australians, are my reason for running and fundraising. I want to support Aspect in building more awareness, understanding, and true inclusion, so that every autistic person has the opportunity to shine"

Leonie is walking 200km and has raised over $1,000 so far.

LOUISE

A mum inspired by her boys to create a kinder, more understanding world.

“When I learned that my son Edward was autistic, I realised that I knew very little about what that even meant, how I needed to change to support him, and what it meant for his future. It was overwhelming and confusing, so I decided to go back to university and complete some focused study, which led to more study, which led to a PhD, which I have just submitted. While working on my PhD, I too was diagnosed autistic, and so was my younger son, Patrick. I also had the wonderful opportunity to work with some of Aspect's researchers, a team of absolute research superstars.

So, what have I learned through all this? I think it is that the more knowledge we create, the more awareness we encourage, the more we talk about autism and the fabulous things that autistic people can achieve, and the more we learn about effective ways to support autistic people, the better our world will become. This is why we are Running for Autism. I want to help Aspect to continue to do what they can to ensure that my sons get to live in a kind and compassionate world where they are able to be themselves, are celebrated for their strengths, and have access to the supports that they need. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute!”

Louise and her boys are running 70km and have raised over an amazing $2,400!

INDI

Running with Mum, Growing Strong Together.

“I chose to run for autism because I am autistic and it is nice to run with my mum. We run together because we are making our bodies and brains stronger. I have known I am autistic since I was 8. I am now 10. I have been lucky enough to have an O.T., psychologist, and a mental health clinician who have helped me to understand my body and emotions better. So far, I have raised $1,415 and my goal is to get $1,500.

To raise money, I have been posting videos on my mum's Facebook page during my runs and making little cards with my fundraiser details to hand out at Parkrun, which we go to most Saturday mornings."

Indi and mum are running 35km and have raised over an incredible $1,500!

RYAN

Running for his beautiful 9 year old son Leo.

"Leo has who has Level 3 Autism and has been non-verbal since his 1st birthday. He is one of the happiest kids I know, always out to play, smile, and constantly laughing. He brings so much joy to my family’s life, and we love him very dearly.

It hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Leo has suffered from severe sensory issues, global development delay, and recently, seizures. In fact, in March this year, Leo suffered his first major seizure at school, which was a horrible phone call to receive. Once we arrived at the hospital, Leo continued to have multiple seizures in a row that led to him being sedated. It was a horrible sight for any parent to see.

My wife, Tatum, showed me the October Run for Autism that Aspect has organised to spread awareness. As Leo’s father, I instantly decided, without hesitation to get involved, change my lifestyle, raise awareness for the cause, and test my body and mentality to a level it has never been through before.

I started training for this great cause back in July, running 10-15 km per day, and have signed up for the Fisocream Half Marathon on the Gold Coast in mid-October. I am determined to spread as much awareness and receive as many donations as possible for all beautiful people with special needs. I am going to blow the 140 km out of the park and do this for our boy, Leo.

Thanks to Aspect and the team for making this possible".

Michael has smashed an impressive 204km and has already raised over $4,600!

DANIEL

Third year running - 100km, 1000 Burpees, 1000 Bucks.

"I was diagnosed with ADHD and Autism in my mid-30s, and one of the biggest struggles I had was understanding myself and the world around me when I was young. I just didn't know!

I wished someone had just noticed me and said, 'Hey, you are a little different, let's look at that.'

This is my third year running, trying to raise 1000 bucks because that's what it takes to help a kid get exactly that - an opportunity to be themselves the best they can be.

This year, I'm vlogging my whole journey as I go."

Daniel has already smashed an impressive 86km and raised over $450 so far!