Prior's Court staff member runs London Landmarks Half Marathon

A determined fundraiser is taking on a marathon challenge to help a local charity.

Christopher Sturm, from Thatcham, is taking part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday, April 2, to raise money for Prior's Court, a Hermitage-based charity supporting young people with complex autism.

Mr Sturm – ⁠who works at Prior's Court as an autism practitioner ⁠– has chosen to support the charity's 'Let Me Shine' performing arts centre fundraising appeal.

"I've worked at Prior's Court for over 14 years," he said. "I've seen first-hand the difference the charity makes to their lives from when they first joined until they are young adults.

"I started running in lockdown at the age of 45 and it's been a real journey for me.

"I'm hoping to record a personal best for this event of faster than one hour, 45 minutes.

"My training is going well. I've recently started running for Newbury Athletics Club. I did a 10k race at Castle Combe race circuit in November and achieved a new personal best."

"One of the things that will keep me going during this challenge is thinking about how the money I'm raising will help young people with complex autism to live healthier, happier lives with more independence and a better chance to access the world of work."

The planned performing arts centre will include adapted facilities to enable pupils to access and benefit from opportunities in music, dance and drama.

Please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-sturm to donate to Mr Sturm's JustGiving page.