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At Autism Anglia, we’re incredibly proud of the dedication and commitment shown by our staff, both in their roles and beyond. Today, we’re sharing a personal story from Hayley, a member of our Marketing and Communications team, who recently took on the Stampede challenge to push herself outside her comfort zone and raise funds for Autism Anglia.

Here, Hayley shares her journey, from her very first run to crossing the finish line.

“If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be signing up for a race (let alone completing one) I probably would have laughed. Running was never something I saw myself doing, and stepping up to the starting line for the Stampede felt completely outside my comfort zone.

But that was exactly the point.

Why I Decided to Do It

This was my first ever race, and I wanted it to mean something. Taking part in the Stampede gave me the perfect opportunity to challenge myself while raising money for Autism Anglia.

I’d already signed up for the race when, at the beginning of the year, I lost my mum. It’s been an incredibly difficult time. What had started as a personal challenge quickly became something more, it gave me something to focus on when I needed it most. Having that goal, something positive to work towards, helped me keep going on the hardest days.

Through my role at Autism Anglia, I see every day the difference the right support, care and opportunities can make to autistic people and their families. Supporting the charity in this way felt like a chance to contribute beyond my day-to-day work, while also pushing myself to do something I never thought I could.

Starting From Scratch

When I say I started from the beginning, I really mean it. I began with the Couch to 5K app. Those early runs where even a minute of jogging felt like a huge effort. It wasn’t easy, and there were plenty of days where motivation was low.

But slowly, something began to change.

What began as a challenge turned into something I genuinely looked forward to. Running became a space to clear my head, reset and breathe. With two small children at home, life is often full-on and chaotic. Running gave me a pocket of calm amongst it all, a chance to switch off, process things and just focus on putting one foot in front of the other.

It’s been so good for my brain, helping me feel more grounded, balanced and better able to cope with the demands of everyday life.

Pushing Beyond My Comfort Zone

Signing up for the Stampede was a big step. I wanted to push myself, not just physically, but mentally too.

Race day came with all the nerves you’d expect from doing something for the first time. But it also came with excitement, determination and a real sense of “I’m actually doing this.”

Every step was a reminder of how far I’d come, from those early Couch to 5K sessions to standing amongst other runners, all working towards the same goal.

Crossing the Finish Line

I completed the race in 1 hour and 16 minutes, and I couldn’t be prouder.

It wasn’t about speed or perfection, it was about finishing. About proving to myself that I could set a goal, commit to it and see it through. Crossing that finish line felt like a huge personal achievement, and a moment I won’t forget anytime soon.

More Than Just a Race

This experience has been about so much more than running. It’s been about challenging myself, finding focus during a difficult time, building resilience, supporting my mental wellbeing and doing something meaningful for a cause that matters.

Most importantly, it’s shown me that stepping outside your comfort zone (even when it feels daunting) can lead to something really positive.

Thank You

Finally, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me along the way. It’s really meant alot.

So, what would I say to anyone thinking about challenging themselves? I’d say: go for it. Whether it’s running, walking, cycling or taking on something completely different, stepping outside your comfort zone can open up more than you expect.

If you’re able to combine that challenge with fundraising for Autism Anglia, you’ll be helping to make a real difference to autistic people and their families across our region and you might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of along the way.”

Feeling inspired by Hayley’s story? If you’re thinking about taking on a running challenge or another event, visit our events page to find out how you can get involved and support Autism Anglia:
https://www.autism-anglia.org.uk/get-involved/events/