A Weymouth school support worker is tackling a 24-hour challenge which will see him run through the night.
Adam Spokes, 41, who works in the inclusion base at Bincombe Valley Primary School, will run at least one mile every hour on the hour for more than 24 hours to raise money for the National Autistic Society.
The challenge, known as the Bincombe Backyard 24 Hour Run, will begin at 3.15pm today (Friday) and finish shortly after 4pm tomorrow (Saturday).
Mr Spokes is undertaking the fundraiser as part of his preparations for the 2027 London Marathon, where he will be representing the National Autistic Society.
The cause is particularly close to his heart; Mr Spokes was diagnosed as autistic as an adult after his eldest child received a diagnosis. His middle son has since also been identified as autistic.
Mr Spokes also works supporting autistic pupils and recently completed a postgraduate certificate in autism studies at Sheffield Hallam University.
"It means a lot," he said. "[The run] brings together two parts of my life that are really important."
The challenge will see him complete more than 24 miles while staying awake for around 34 hours.
He said: "I've never done running through the night before.
"I was looking at the forecast and it's going to feel like five degrees overnight at one point, so from that point of view I think it's going to be mentally challenging."
A keen runner, Mr Spokes took up the sport around a decade ago and says it became a major part of his life during the Covid lockdowns.
"Running has become a healthy habit for me," he said.
"Every day I will do a run, even if it's for 15 minutes. It's just part of my day now."
The fundraiser has already seen support from colleagues at Bincombe Valley Primary School, where he has organised bake sales and made Christmas decorations to help boost donations.
He hopes the 24-hour challenge will encourage members of the wider community to get involved too.
Donations can be made through Mr Spokes' National Autistic Society London Marathon fundraising page.
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