A passionate fundraiser overcame the pain barrier to complete a marathon challenge in aid of our work with young people with complex autism,

Rachel Clements, who is from Southampton, ran the Brighton Marathon on Sunday (2 April), fundraising for Prior’s Court.

Rachel completed the marathon in a time of 5hr 55mins, but finishing the event was the main achievement - in the lead-up to the marathon, Rachel damaged tendons in her ankle and her participation was in doubt.

But Rachel defied the pain to take on the challenge and, in doing so, raised more than £1,000 for our work - hugely surpassing her target of £300, with more time still to donate yet!

Find out how the money raised for Prior's Court is used

Rachel said:

I can’t believe I actually made it across the line but I did! What you guys do and how much hard work you put in day in day out honestly kept me going.

Rachel was inspired to run for Prior’s Court after visiting our site to undertake volunteer work with her employer, Andover-based Simplyhealth.  

Rachel said: “We have volunteering days as part of our benefits package at Simplyhealth and as a team we decided to do a volunteering day together so we came to help out at Prior’s Court.  

“I’d already booked my marathon and was thinking about who to run for and after spending the day at Prior’s Court and seeing the amazing work that they do I was so inspired and amazed that I couldn’t imagine running for anyone else!"

To donate, go to Rachel's JustGiving Page

When asked about the marathon taking place on World Autism Acceptance Day, Rachel said: “[it] is even more of a motivator to raise awareness and money. Being able to run with Prior’s Court’s name on my back creates overwhelming amount of pride!”  

Inspired to take on a challenge event for Prior's Court? Find out some of the events we are signed up to