Jethro is running to raise money for the National Autistic Society, a cause that is particularly close to his heart saying: “I was two and a half when I was diagnosed with autism because I was a bit different from neuro-typicals.”
“I came out as autistic and now I feel happy about it because it is who I am. I know I have a beautiful mind that changes a lot in different situations. It helps me to be focused and to achieve. I’ve faced challenges including other people not understanding. It helps when people understand and accept me.”
Jethro has been running since growing up as a young boy in the Philippines. His interest began when, together with his younger brother and cousin, he was inspired by the Olympics; “I ran on the streets of Carmona and my mum needed to stop me running into the next district. In 1999 I took part in the special school’s National Athletics competition in Quezon City and I won my first medal in the 100m.”
In 2007 a carer helped Jethro prepare to start longer distance running and in 2008 he took part in the St Alban’s 10km race: “This was my first serious long distance event and during it I ran, then walked and repeated until I sprinted to the finish for the last 100m. I did really well to finish my first 10km run.”
Later that year he ran in the Great South Run to raise money for Marie Curie and before the race he even had the chance to meet Olympian Paula Radcliffe who later went on to win the race.
In 2009 Jethro began training for his first half marathon, the Great North Run in Newcastle. This time he ran it to raise money for the National Autistic Society. Despite suffering from cramp in the 12th mile he recovered to complete the race in 2 hours, 55 minutes and one second.
For Jethro running is a way of relaxing saying: “Running de-stresses me and so does walking. I help myself with my ear defenders and then I don’t mind noise. I feel stressed when I hear unexpected noise.”
To prepare for his biggest running challenge yet Jethro has been training by jogging and walking in Wellholme Park in Brighouse and taking long walks in Lister Park in Bradford. He is also training with Bradford Airedale AC on some Sundays at Horsfall Community Stadium. He has great backing from friends, family, fellow athletes from St Albans Striders, as well as friends from the inclusive football club that he is involved in.
Meanwhile the hospital has been supporting Jethro by extending his leave for longer periods so that he can go running. Lucy Giles-Wylde, Ward Manager of Cygnet Hospital Wyke’s Adarna Ward said: “Jethro loves talking to staff about his running and we’re all really excited for him to run the marathon.”
The London Marathon is taking place on Sunday April 23rd and we would like to wish Jethro all the best.
To make a donation to Jethro’s JustGiving page please click on the following link:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jethrotcslm2023