Hungerford man Rupert Darch takes on experience of a lifetime to run London Marathon 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 nine-year-old daughter's frustrations get output in her behaviour, and you can see the frustration building and 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 who are affected by it or care for someone who may have dyslexia.

It offers dyslexia assessments for both children and adults, consultations for parents, train teachers and teaching assistants dyslexia support, raise awareness for dyslexia in the workplace and offer courses on dyslexia.

Training for the marathon in nine weeks has been under way 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 countless 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://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=19665_9018230_57106&pageUrl=2