A GRATEFUL dad from Warwick is dedicating every mile he runs in the London Marathon.
James McCann is running to raise funds for the National Autism Society on Sunday following his son being diagnosed with ASD in February.
James, wife Kat and three year-old Mitchell have been overwhelmed with the support they received and felt the best way to say thank you was to dedicated 22 miles of the marathon to the people who have helped him and his family.
The 40 year-old will dedicate the 23rd mile to himself – as it will be the furthest he will have run up to that point – the 24th to 46 year-old Kat, and the last two to Mitchell.
He told The Observer: “There were so many people to thank, this seemed the best way to do it. I will pin the dedications onto my top at each mile.”
The family – who only moved to Warwick from Birmingham last June – were particularly appreciative of the help given by Monkey Puzzle nursery through Mitchell’s diagnosis.
James, who is an accountant at Birmingham lens distributors BBGR, said: “Monkey Puzzle nursery mirrored our concerns about ASD and were prepared to have an open conversation about it, which isn’t an easy thing to do.
“Becky Poole who is the Special Educational Needs Coordinator there has been great throughout in supporting Mitchell.
“We’re very lucky we have received such an early diagnosis. Some people grow up with ASD without knowing and are diagnosed as adults.”
James has raised in excess of £4,000 in sponsorship.
Kat and Mitchell will be at the finish line along with friends and family to greet James as he finishes the 26 mile run.
Visit nas-london-marathon-2016.everydayhero.com/uk/james-1 to sponsor James.
Dedicated miles:
Mile 1 – For the runners that didn’t make it to the start line. Hope you make it in 2017
Mile 2 – Run Warwick – who welcomed and encouraged the new guy in town
Mile 3 – For Mitchell’s pal Hudson – who is three on marathon day. Happy Birthday
Mile 4. BBGR colleagues – who have endured lengthy moans about my training plan
Mile 5 – My boss Sandra – who has allowed me the flexibility to be there for my family
Mile 6 – Monkey Puzzle nursery – who keep Mitchell happy and support his needs
Mile 7 – For those that we have not yet met – who will help us along the way
Mile 8 – Friends of family – who with tenuous links still gave generous support
Mile 9 – All Mitchell’s new Warwick friends and their mums – who made us so welcome
Mile 10 – Assessment buddies – who Mitchell shared his four assessment playdates with
Mile 11 – Warwick Health & Education services – who work so well together to be of help
Mile 12 – The Dukes Head Richmond (in London) – who hosted our race night and backed some losers
Mile 13. Rebecca Shaw and the CDS team – who made the diagnosis process so smooth
Mile 14 – Anne Marie Jones and the IDS team – who continue to support Mitchell
Mile 15 – Friends – who have proved that distance is no barrier to friendship
Mile 16 – Becky at Monkey Puzzle – who exceeds our expectations as Mitchells key worker
Mile 17 – Sponsors – who have donated over £4,000 and given vital words of encouragement
Mile 18 – Extended Family – who have sought info to improve their understanding of ASD
Mile 19 – For Mitchell’s cousins – who just see and love him for him
Mile 20 – For my brothers and sisters – who have always been there for whatever I need
Mile 21 – For Dad – chief fund-raiser who can only ask for generosity because he gives it
Mile 22 – For Mum – who always knows what to say and when not to say it
Mile 23 – For me – the mile that takes me to the furthest I have ever run
Mile 24 – For my amazing wife Kat – who knows why. Pure and simple
The last 2.2 miles – For Mitchell – who accepts me as I am and brings me in to his world
