Five courageous runners are taking on a London half marathon in aid of Prior's Court to show their support for our work which has benefited their families. 

Five runners - Gavin Tadman, Josh Spence, Laura Loveridge, Stuart Kemp, and Harry Kemp - are taking on this year's London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday, 7 April to raise money for a new bespoke Performing Arts Centre built on our site. The centre will allow the autistic young people we support to have access to the transformative power of the arts.

Each of the runners has a special connection to Prior's Court through either a family member who is supported by the charity, or a friend who works there.

Laura Loveridge, who is from Oxfordshire, and whose nephew Dexter is supported by Prior's Court, said, “I was so impressed to see first-hand all the work the staff do and the love, time and support they give my nephew and all the children at the school, it’s just phenomenal."

Stuart Kemp, who is from London, and whose son Daniel is supported by Prior's Court, said, "I cannot begin to describe how well my son is taught and looked after by all the staff at Prior's Court. The hard work, patience and dedication they provide to all the young people there is truly humbling."

Each runner has a target of £500 to raise to provide all of the other young people supported by Prior’s Court with a bespoke Performing Arts Centre built specifically with autism in mind. Autistic individuals face many barriers to accessing the arts – from light and noise sensitivities to understanding of social rules – and one aim of the centre is to mimic theatre environments to prepare young people to access arts venues in the community successfully. This is in addition to having the opportunity day-to-day to express themselves creatively in a dedicated, bespoke space.

The Let Me Shine Performing Arts Centre, once complete, will feature adapted facilities to support autistic young people with complex needs to access opportunities in music, dance and drama and the life-enriching benefits this provides.

Find out more about our Performing Arts Centre appeal

To donate to each of the runners' JustGiving - click the links below. 

Gavin Tadman's JustGiving

Laura Loveridge's JustGiving

Josh Spence's JustGiving

Stuart and Harry Kemp's JustGiving