Wishaw man runs Half marathon run for autism charity

Aug 13 2008 by Alexandra Johnson, Wishaw Press

A WISHAW man is hoping to raise plenty of cash – when he puts on his running shoes to raise money for charity.

Andrew Jordan, (24), of Lomond Drive was inspired to run the Fresh ‘N’ Lo Scottish Run Half Marathon after bumping into an old friend from school whose son is affected by autism.

This, in turn, made Andrew decide to run for the National Autistic Society Scotland (NAS Scotland) to help raise vital funds for people with autism across Scotland.

Andrew was inspired when he ran into old friend Lynsay Weir, also from Wishaw, whose five-year-old son Miller has autism.

This is the first time, former Coltness High School pupil Andrew, who is now a sales advisor for HSBC bank, has taken part in the event and he has been pounding the pavements of Wishaw to make sure he is ready for the event which kicks off at George Square, Glasgow, on Sunday, September 7.

Andrew has overcome his own obstacles after he was born with the condition talipes – which is a deformity of the foot in which one or both feet are twisted out of shape or into the wrong position.

Andrew said: “When I was born I had problems with my ankles as they pointed in wards and when I was two-and-a-half I needed corrective surgery to re-set them which put me in traction for 10 weeks.

“I was told this would hinder me in later life regarding sports and exercise, but I try my best to do as much as I can and not let it affect me. It does get sore at times but I just get on with it.

“I have always played football and been physically active so this will run mark a big achievement for myself and my family and particularly my mum if I can do it.

“My mum Catherine, aunt Cathy and uncle Chick have given me lots of support, especially in helping bring me up with my condition. My uncle Chick died nine years ago, so I am doing the run for all of them as well.”

In terms of raising money for the charity that Andrew feels was his natural choice after seeing his friend Lynsey again, he added: ”It made me realise the huge affect that autism has on people’s lives. I felt that running the marathon in aid of the National Autistic Society Scotland was the natural choice and I hope the money raised will help the charity.”

Andrew has been pretty active in getting fit for the big event, and continued: “I took part in a 10k run a few years ago, but I haven’t ran a half marathon before so it will be a challenge. I have been out running seven days a week and go to football training three nights a week as well so I'm feeling fairly confident that it will go well on the day.

“So far I have raised £250 but I am hoping to raise more – my target is £500.”

Andrew will join runners of all ages and abilities to take part in the annual event. There are over 50,000 people affected by autism across Scotland and the money that Andrew raises will go to vital NAS Scotland services including Daldorch School in Ayrshire, which offers residential care and schooling to children with autism. Other services include a parent to parent support line and social and befriending groups for people with Asperger’s syndrome and autism.

Gail Farquhar, NAS regional fundraising manager, Scotland and Northern Ireland said: “We are so grateful to people like Andrew running in aid of our charity. Our work at NAS Scotland is just the tip of the iceberg – there are still so many unmet needs. We want to make a difference to the thousands of people across Scotland who are affected by autism. Every penny counts.”

To sponsor Andrew you can go to www.justgiving.com/coisty09 or, alternatively, Andrew has put sponsor forms behind the bar in The Yard, Main Street, Wishaw.