I am running the Yorkshire half-marathon for Friends of Mossbrook School charity.

Our beautiful daughter Sophie attends Mossbrook School along with 84 other children with a range of special educational needs, the vast majority with autism and difficulties with sensory issues. Friends of Mossbrook School is a charity very close to our hearts which is raising money to refurbish the sensory room at the school.

Sophie is in her 4th year at Mossbrook school. It is a fantastic school where from the first moment, Sophie has been celebrated for who she is. The staff have helped Sophie in numerous ways and the school has supported her development.

When Sophie was 2, she was diagnosed with epilepsy and developmental delay. Her epilepsy has now been described as 'intractable' and it has affected all aspects of her development. Specialists are still confused as to what type of epilepsy Sophie actually has and we may never know. Her life has been a blur of medication, hospital appointments and medical assessments. When Sophie was 5 she also received a diagnosis of 'atypical autism'. Sophie struggles to understand the world around her and daily life can be confusing for her. Any change can make her feel very anxious. Despite all the difficulties she faces, Sophie is a very happy and loving little girl. Sophie has changed our lives for the better. She is precious, inspiring and adorable and we are so lucky to have her in our lives.

The sensory room at Mossbrook school requires a full refurbishment including sensory lighting, soft play equipment, and other specialist furniture. The room will provide a calming environment for the children at Mossbrook and enhance the children's learning experience. With your financial support, Friends of Mossbrook school will fund this refurbishment.

I will be thinking about Sophie when I run the Yorkshire half marathon on Sunday 9th April and your generosity will be greatly appreciated.