A young woman with autism from Wandsworth is one of only 26 young people from around
the UK who will be joining Phil Packer as he attempts to complete this year’s Virgin
London Marathon (Sunday 25 April 2010).
Robyn Steward, who has Asperger syndrome, will join Phil as he attempts to complete the 26 miles in 26 hours and raise money for 26 charities who work with young people with disabilities or those from deprived backgrounds. Phil suffered spinal cord injury in 2008 and last year completed the London Marathon in 14 days and raised over £1m for charity.
Robyn, 23, will be representing The National Autistic Society (NAS), the UK’s leading charity for people affected by autism. After completing her mile, Robyn will rejoin Phil and the rest of the young people representing the other 25 charities for the final 365 yards of the route.
Robyn said: “I’m really excited to have been chosen to support Phil and represent The National Autistic Society. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a positive difference to people living with autism. Most people know very little about autism and that can make life quite hard. Because I am verbally articulate people often assume I don’t need any support, but I struggle with a lot of different things on a daily basis and things get much harder when I’m anxious. Like many people with autism I have a lot of sensory issues and I have had to learn coping strategies. I use art therapy to help manage my emotions for instance. For people with autism the right support at the right time is crucial and the NAS works hard to provide that support.”
Phil said: “My own personal journey over the past two years has increased my knowledge and understanding of the daily challenges faced by people living with disabilities. There is a clear need to provide inspiration and hope to young people. ‘26’ is the next challenge for me and the start of the pathway towards building the British Inspiration Trust, a centre of excellence to enthuse and inspire young people with disabilities and provide a legacy for future generations of young people.”
There are half a million people with autism in the UK – that’s 1 in 100. If you include their families, autism touches the lives of over two million people everyday. The NAS is the UK’s leading charity for people affected by this serious lifelong and disabling condition. To support Phil and Robyn, and help raise funds for the NAS, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/phil.packer
Autism and Aspergers
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.
Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.
The National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society is the UK's leading charity for people with autism and their families. Founded in 1962, it continues to spearhead national and international initiatives and provide a strong voice for all people with autism. The NAS provides a wide range of services to help people with autism and Asperger syndrome live their lives with as much independence as possible.
The NAS relies on the support of its members and donors to continue its vital work for people with autism. To become a member, make a donation or to find out more about the work of the NAS, visit the NAS website www.autism.org.uk
For more information about autism and for help in your area, call the NAS Autism Helpline on: 0845 070 4004 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday, (local rates apply).
The NAS Autism Services Directory is the UK’s most comprehensive directory of services and events for people with autism. Visit www.autism.org.uk/autismdirectory to find autism services and support networks in your area.
