A young adult with autism is running one of the UK’s most iconic road races to raise awareness for people on the autistic spectrum and fundraise for the Saracens Sport Foundation, a registered charity partnered with Saracens Rugby Club.
Peter Looker-Biddle, 20, is participating in the Vitality British 10k London Run, which takes place on Sunday 12 July.
Peter has severe autism, is non-verbal and sometimes self-harms out of frustration. Due to the nature of his autism, Peter requires 24 hour one-to-one support and finds it difficult to access mainstream activities.
Peter joined the Sarries Skills Club, a sports club for young people with severe autism run by the Saracens Sport Foundation, in September 2013 and has been supported to attend once a week by staff from national disability charity Walsingham Support.
Having seen Peter’s fitness skills develop thanks to a personalised training programme, Owain Davies, Manager of the Sarries Skills Club, suggested that they enter the 10k run together.
The pair have since been joined by 14 other runners, including members of Peter’s family and staff and club supporters from Saracens and Walsingham Support.
The group is hoping to raise £3,000 for the Saracens Sport Foundation, while also raising awareness of autism and the positive effect sport can have in reducing challenging behaviour.
Fiona Looker-Biddle, Peter’s mother, said: “Peter is unable to access the majority of social clubs because they haven’t the ability to provide the one-to-one support that he needs. Other than when he’s at home, Peter is happiest when he’s at Sarries Skills Club – it is the one place he can go where his needs are met.”
Peter and his team will join thousands of others on the run – now in its 15th year – which will see participants pass landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament.
Owain said: “A lot of thought and planning has gone in to ensuring Peter feels comfortable taking part in the run. His sensitivity towards noise and crowded areas has been taken into consideration; but even if he doesn’t finish, this will be a huge achievement for Peter. He’ll be supported by friends and family all the way – we just have to keep up with him!”
Sarah Miller, Director of Operations & Development at Walsingham Support and one of the runners in Peter’s team, said: “We are delighted to be running with Peter and supporting him to raise awareness of autism. Our flexible lifestyle support, which Peter receives, enables individuals to pursue their own life interests whenever they need it.”
If you would like to support Peter and his team, please donate through the Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/Petes-Peloton. Alternatively, you can text SSCP51 to 70070.
