A young adult with severe autism has raised more than £4,000 for charity after completing the Vitality British 10k London Run.
Peter Looker-Biddle, 20, and a group of 11 other runners surpassed their £3,000 target to so far raise £4,052 for the Saracens Sport Foundation, after finishing the run earlier this month.
Looker-Biddle is supported by disability charity Walsingham Support to attend the Sarries Skills Club, a sports club run by Saracens Sport Foundation for young people with autism, since 2013.
Sarah Miller, director of operations and development at Walsingham Support, said: “This was a great opportunity to support Peter and raise awareness of autism and the great work Saracens Sports Foundation do, providing people with tailored sports sessions that are an effective tool in reducing behaviours that challenge.
“Initiatives like the Sarries Skills Club are vital for people with learning disabilities and complex needs. All of the Walsingham Support staff have got behind Peter and the other runners, raising money through various events at our head office. The funds raised will go a long way to support Peter and others who access the Sarries Skills Club every Monday.”
Despite having severe autism and finding it difficult to access mainstream activities, Looker-Biddle has flourished since joining the club.
Saracens Sport Foundation development manager Owain Davies began training with Looker-Biddle so he could participate in the 10k run and said their programme together “was long, thought out and specific to support his complex needs.
“Peter coped very well on the day, using his ear defenders to help, but training for 14 months ahead played a key role in his achievement.”
You can still sponsor Looker-Biddle and his team by donating through the Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/Petes-Peloton or by texting SSCP51 £5 to 70070.
