My grandson Tommy is 7 and is the most beautiful boy I have ever seen.  He enjoys a family get together, he loves climbing and watching Paw Patrol.  His favourite foods include sausages, crisps and chocolate muffins. 

Tommy is also autistic.  Autism is a disability that affects how children communicate and interact with the world.  It ranges from those in need of 24 hour care to those facing difficulties with certain aspects of everyday life. 

Tommy has encountered various challenges which include communication, interaction with others, everyday skills, sleeping patterns, a limited diet and sensory sensitivity (a haircut can be traumatic for him as can the sound of a hand dryer). 

This is often exhausting for his parents.  I have never heard them complain and they provide the most loving, fun, home environment for Tommy that you could ever imagine.

Tommy may need special support and/or care as he gets older.  His family may require respite.  There are undoubtedly many other autistic children and their families that desperately need this type of help.

I will be running for Autism East Midlands in this year's London Marathon.  They are a charity set up by parents of autistic children.  Their vision is for a world which recognises, understands and values autistic people, and where they and their families receive the services and support they need throughout their lives.

If you can spare a pound, a fiver, ten pounds or more then please, please donate.