Navigating the journey of parenting a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is undoubtedly challenging. Whether you've known about your child's needs from the start, are in the process of discovering them, or hesitate to embrace labels, the struggle is real. Every day can feel like a marathon, wrestling with the complexities of supporting your precious child through a world that often feels like it's designed against them.

From grappling with homework to helping them navigate social interactions or simply soothing them when the world overwhelms them, the weight of responsibility can be crushing. The stares in restaurants, the unsolicited advice from well-meaning strangers – it can all feel like an assault on your already strained nerves.

The turning point for my family came when we realized that conventional parenting and schooling methods weren't enough for our son. Despite his heart of gold, something was holding him back, leaving him isolated and despondent. Thus began our journey through what turned out to be a labyrinth of assessments, referrals, and bureaucratic hurdles.

At times, it felt like we were stumbling blindfolded, only to discover we'd missed crucial steps in the process. The frustration, the setbacks, the moments of doubt – they tested every facet of our lives, from our marriage to our relationships with family and friends. But amidst the chaos, one thing became clear: our son's diagnosis, or "label," was the key that unlocked a world of support and understanding.

Our son's diagnosis marked a new beginning for all of us. With the right interventions and accommodations, our son began to thrive. But we knew that our experience shouldn't be the exception – every family navigating the SEND maze deserved the same chance at clarity and support.

As a family we embarked on a mission to find resources that could ease the burden for other parents. After countless searches and dead ends, we finally stumbled upon Talking SENse. This remarkable charity offers invaluable advocacy, advice, and support to parents at a fraction of the cost of other services.

With first-hand experience navigating the complexities of SEND, the team at Talking SENse understands the struggles intimately. Their expertise and guidance can make all the difference, offering a lifeline to families drowning in uncertainty.

So, when I see another weary parent struggling, I no longer offer empty platitudes. Instead, I point them toward Talking SENse – a beacon of hope in a sea of challenges, offering the help they didn't know they needed. Because every parent deserves to see their child not just survive, but thrive.

To help me do this, I will be raising money for the St James’s Place Charitable Foundation in aid of Talking SENse! I will be running a marathon with 26 children from Cooper & Jordan primary school running a mile each with me. This is to raise funds vital to keep Talking SENse! going but also their costs as low as possible for parents, and raise awareness in our community for the help that is out there.