A Bratton man will be taking part in his first running race next month, and has selected the huge Brighton Marathon as the stage for his debut.
Luke McHardy, owner of local interior and kitchen design company Luke McHardy & Co, will be running the 26.2 mile course on Sunday 12th April, and has already raised nearly £2,500 for the National Autistic Society (NAS).
The race, which last year was completed by over 8,700 runners, is just one part of the Brighton Marathon Weekend, which will be expecting 150,000 people to descend on the seaside resort in April.
Australian Luke, who has never entered a running race before, has chosen to raise funds for the NAS after his eldest child, Flynn, was diagnosed with high-functioning autism, or Asperger’s, four years ago aged four.
Luke said, “Life changed completely for our whole family after Flynn’s diagnosis, and the NAS are there for everything from issues and help with schooling, to everyday problems we may encounter.
“As Flynn develops and we are faced with new challenges, the NAS are on the end of the phone offering advice and pointing us in the direction of local services; I would love to now give something back.
“This is my first marathon, and actually my first organised run. I used to play a lot more sport in my younger days so have a basic level of fitness, but nothing like the level needed to run a marathon!
“I would estimate the furthest I have run before this would be 10K, but in my youth!
“I have been training for three months and I have felt good for it. After a long time without regular exercise I have found it a little bit of a struggle, and have picked up a few twinges in my knees. I moved to the UK from Australia 12 years ago, and the cold British winter isn’t helping!
“Having noticed the obvious benefits, I will now carry on with the regular running when this is over.
“I am excited to be competing in the Brighton Marathon and I hope to finish in under four hours, which was my target from day one. It is looking good at the moment if my knees survive the training!”
Luke set himself the goal of raising £500 for the National Autism Society, but the generosity of his family, friends, and clients, meant that has already passed £2,400.
You can help with Luke’s fundraising by visiting www.justgiving.com/Luke-Mchardy
