#Galway- Edel, supporting Galway Autism Partnership

This year we marked the day of 31st May in our calendars, many of us may have missed the taking part in the Vhi Mini Marathon with thousands of others in Dublin. But now this October I have a unique opportunity to join with others virtually and help raise funds for Galway Autism Partnership.

I am a busy mum of four and a full-time carer. Our family is a neurodiverse one as some of us are autistic. As well as being a mum, I am a founder of Galway Autism Partnership GAP and worked in a voluntary capacity in the charity until 2018. I have arthritis and asthma, but in June last year, I returned to running. At first, I could only run 100 metres. By March this year, I had undertaken three 10k events.

Our family has lived some of the challenges that autistic people and their families faced during the crisis created by Covid 19. The pandemic placed additional challenges on health and disability services needed by autistic children and adults, at the time they are needed most. But yet, it is amazing now the people we often see as vulnerable are also the bravest people, because its takes strength and courage to go on and face a world that does not always try or want to understand you.

During the crisis, GAP continued to remain proactive and responsive to its members' needs. GAP is like an evolving tide of change, molding and evolving because its members have active participation in the direction it takes.

COVID-19 will place a unique financial challenge to the continued existence of GAP as many of its fundraising events were cancelled. So, I am calling on you to dust off your trainers, whether you walk or run and be part of the movement for change and take part in the VHI Virtual Mini Marathon for GAP. So many need GAP to be there not just for tomorrow but many years to come. Because together we are stronger, together we can bridge the GAP.

If you would like to take part for GAP, you can contact Aisling at the GAP office by phone on 091-588899 or email coordinator@galwayautismpartnership.com. If you would like to find out more about GAP, visit www.galwayautismpartnership.com or find them on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.