An Archdeacon whose son has autism has competed in 10k competitions in various East Anglian locations including Thurston, Hadleigh, Wymondham, Bungay, Brandon, Dedham and Colchester to raise awareness and thousands of pounds in funds to help families whose loved ones experience the joys and sorrows of the condition, that affects one in every 100 children in the country.
The Venerable Dr David Jenkins, Archdeacon of Sudbury is married to Sarah with three children, including Ben, 12, who has Asperger Syndrome. David said: “My lovely son Ben is autistic and a real gift from God, although an occasionally challenging one! We have been very grateful for support from Autism Suffolk and I am very committed to repaying some of their kindness. Autism is one of those mis-understood conditions and I have been very keen to raise its profile for those families who have autistic children, and the joys and sorrows it brings.”
“It has been a great year and we have all enjoyed the challenge. I am very grateful to all those who have supported me especially those who have run with me. We have endured all weathers from gales to heatwaves but the autism cause has proved a great inspiration to keep us training and racing. We have raced a distance of 120k and trained a distance of thousands of kilometres!”
The Rt Rev Dr David Thomson, Acting Bishop of the Church of England in Suffolk, said: “I’m full of admiration for David and all those who have run with him and raised such a goodly sum for Autism Suffolk too. It’s an excellent cause, and I know the money will be put to very good use indeed.”
A spokesman for The National Autistic Society said they were delighted that the archdeacon was raising money for Autism Suffolk, a local charity run by the National Autistic Society which supports parents and carers of children with autism.
To support David’s fundraising and make final donations please visit the Virgin Money Giving website at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DavidJenkins9
The picture shows David (second from left) with his son Ben in the middle and their running companions
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