Father’s marathon effort for dyslexia
Hungerford man is hoping epic run will raise £2,000 for charity
HUNGERFORD man Rupert Darch will be running the London Marathon on Sunday, October 3, to raise money for the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity, writes DECLAN BOWEN.
The organisation was chosen by Mr Darch as both he and his nine-year-old daughter Bella are affected by dyslexia.
The 42-year-old consultant said: “It all came about because they did some fantastic work with our daughter who has dyslexia.
“But what I think people don’t often appreciate is that dyslexics aren’t just affected by reading and writing, it is also the way information is processed, it’s challenges in mixing socially and following conversations.
“When those challenges surface in my case, my nineyear-old daughter’s frustrations get output in her behaviour, and you can see the frustration building.
“It all came down to understanding how their mind is working and then you can put in place the support mechanisms to help.”
Dyslexia affects one in 10 people and is the most common learning disability in the UK.
The Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity offers support and advice to all those affected by it or care for someone who may have dyslexia.
It offers dyslexia assessments for both children and adults, consultations for parents, training for teachers and teaching assistants on dyslexia, raising awareness for dyslexia in the workplace and offering courses on dyslexia.
Mr Darch is preparing for the marathon, which is just nine weeks away, despite a minor setback at the beginning of training.
Mr Darch, who lives in Sanham Green, said: “I had a few bumps in the road shall we say at the start, but I was lucky enough to find a great physio who has got me back on track and since then I think it’s going well.
“I ended up with a problem with my ankles, but I ploughed through it and did exercises and everything for it and after that I was flying.”
After cancellations and delays due to the Covid pandemic, a record number of 50,000 participants are expected to race this year.
The iconic marathon route, which measures 26.2 miles, begins at Blackheath in South East London and the finish line is at The Mall near Buckingham Palace.
Mr Darch has currently raised more than £769 for his chosen charity towards his target of £2,000.
To donate to the fundraising page, visit https://bit. ly/2Vl6ekd