Key Personnels HR Manager to run The Flora London Marathon for The National Autistic Society!

Helen Payne, from Nottingham, a H R Manager for Key Personnel (Midlands) Limited is preparing for the challenge of a lifetime ñ to run The Flora London Marathon for The National Autistic Society (NAS), the UKís leading charity for people with autism.

As part of the NAS team Helen will join around 100 runners in the 26.2 mile run, supported by their team mascot, Thomas the Tank Engine, who celebrates his 60th birthday this year.

Helen has chosen to raise money for the NAS because of the support the charity has given a family member who was recently diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum.

Helen said: Running The Flora London Marathon for the NAS is a huge personal goal, and my way of helping thousands of people with autism who need support. So far, I have received a fantastic amount of support from my employer, work colleagues, family and friends who have been very generous sponsors. It is fantastic to think that my sponsors and my efforts are helping to give a better future to individuals with autism, their families and their carers.î

If you would like to support Helen in her efforts to raise money for the National Autistic Society please email Helen at helenp@key-personnel.co.uk or by calling Key Personnel (0115) 9583300.

Ex Team England Cricket Captain, Alec Stewart, says:

ìRunning the Flora London Marathon for the NAS is the best way I can think of to reach a personal goal while helping thousands of people. Autism is a lifelong disability that affects a personís social and communication skills. The National Autistic Society exists to champion the rights and interests of all people with an autistic spectrum disorder, delivering quality services, appropriate to their needs. Over 535,000 individuals are affected by an autistic spectrum disorder in the UK today, so the chances are the NAS is helping to support someone you know.

The NAS is the UKís leading charity for people with autism and their families. It runs an Autism Helpline, Advocacy for Education Service, Befriending scheme and Parent to Parent support service, as well as specialist schools and day services for people with autism.

Interested runners should contact the Running Hotline on 0207 903 3522 or email londonmarathon@nas.org.uk