London Marathon bid by Worthing teacher
TRAINING for the London Marathon has helped a Worthing games teacher to relieve stress.
Gillian Lister has a 17-year-old son with Asperger's Syndrome, and said lately she has been having a difficult time with him.
She took up the challenge to complete the marathon because she wanted something positive to come from her situation.
She is hoping to raise 1,600 for the National Autistic Society (NAS), which supports people with Asperger's Syndrome and their families.
Something positive
Gillian, 45, of Heene Way, said: "My son Jonathan is at the subtle end of the spectrum and although I had my suspicions for some time, it took a while for him to be diagnosed.
"He doesn't look any different and in most ways act any different to anybody else, but he lacks the social awareness others might have."
She added: "We have had problems with him because it's almost like having a child without a conscience.
"I was getting so stressed about it, so I wanted to do something positive. It was consuming me and it still is to a degree, but because I'm running it helps."
Cheering on
Gillian works at Sompting Abbotts School, in Church Lane, Sompting, where she is a games and year four form teacher.
She has been training for her first-ever full marathon and is currently clocking up 35 miles a week in preparation.
On the big day, husband Jeff and younger sons Toby, 14, and Edward, 12, will be cheering her on.
Visit www.justgiving.com/gillianlister to sponsor her.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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