Fundraiser Barry inspired by son's diagnosis

A Teesside University academic is gearing himself up for his first marathon in a bid to raise money for a cause close to his heart.

Barry Hebbron, a Senior Lecturer in Computing, is running to raise money for Autism Charities UK after his eldest son, Jacob, 9, was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome just before Christmas.

He will aim to complete the 26 mile race at the Edinburgh Marathon at the end of May and believes that helping to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is as important as raising money.

Autism is a disability which affects 1 in 100 people in the UK and Autism Charities UK is the national charity supporting children and young people with the disorder. Barry, who has been at Teesside University for 28 years, said it wasn't a surprise when Jacob was officially diagnosed as autistic, but said he now has more empathy and a heightened awareness about the disorder.

'It is difficult to explain, but since Jacob's diagnoses, everything has become clearer and I am much more aware about people affected by ASD,' said Barry.

'Jacob's particular feature is that he internalises everything and it is difficult for people to understand how he is feeling.

'Running the marathon is as much about raising awareness as it is about raising money. I have witnessed firsthand the often hidden, emotionally draining, rarely acknowledged help available from a wide range of volunteers who give up their time, love and energy to support individuals and families affected by ASD.'

Barry, from Redcar, also has 7-year-old twins and is married to Susan. He has been a member of Redcar Running Club for the last two years but is still slightly daunted about running his first marathon.

'The training is getting more and more intense and I am starting to realise what I'm letting myself in for,' said Barry.

'I'm just trying to stay focused and to remember why I'm doing this. Every time that I see somebody has donated there is a sense of fulfillment that people have taken the time and are interested in what I’m doing.'

You can contribute to Barry’s fundraising by visiting Barry's fundraising webpage.

---