BRATTON dad Luke McHardy is preparing to take on his first marathon on Sunday to raise money for The National Autistic Society, after his eight-year-old son was diagnosed with the condition.

Mr McHardy and his wife Hannah, who live in Lower Road, Bratton, with their three children, found out their eldest child Flynn had High Functioning Autism, or Asperger’s, when he was diagnosed four years ago.

Despite having never run a marathon or half marathon before, Mr McHardy decided to sign up for the Brighton Marathon to raise money for the NAS, which provided support to the family following Flynn’s diagnosis.

The 36-year-old, who owns Kitchen and Interior design company Luke McHardy & Co in Hilperton, originally set himself a fundraising target of £500, but is now on his way to raising £5,000 for the cause.

Mr McHardy, a former semi-professional Australian Rules Footballer, said: “I have been thinking about doing something for the charity for a while and I decided to sign up around November.

“I am quite new to running and I have never done a half or full marathon before, but I played semi-professional Australian Rules Football before moving here from Australia over 14 years ago.

“After receiving the diagnosis, life changed completely and the NAS were at the end of the phone throughout. We continue to utilise the services they offer as Flynn grows and I would love to now give something back.

“It was quite scary for us when he was first diagnosed, but luckily he is on the milder end of the spectrum. We have seen the other side and how difficult it can be for parents, though, which is also why I wanted to do this.”

The National Autistic Society is the leading UK charity for people with autism and their families, providing information, support and pioneering services, as well as campaigning for a better world for people with the condition.

Mr McHardy added that he has been blown away by the support he has received from family, friends and clients and his Just Giving page shows he has already raised £2,446.

He said: “I have had so much support from everyone and if I can do it in less than four hours some of my clients said they will double how much they give. It’s going to be tough, but training has gone well so far.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Luke-Mchardy