Ian Gedling from Newton aycliffe, is hoping to raise £2,000 for the North East Autistic Society in this year’s Great North Run.

The society, which is a registered charity, offers outreach support to many families of children with autism, giving them a much needed break, even for a few hours week.

Ian said: “They have been a fantastic support to my son and family over the last few years and it is my way of giving something back”.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Ian can go to his ‘just giving page’ www.justgiving.com/ian-gedling1