A keen runner from St Albans who has autism is set to take on his hardest challenge yet after signing up for the London Marathon.

Jethro Offemaria wil be running the 26.2-mile race on Sunday, April 23, to raise money for the National Autistic Society, a cause close to his heart after, he was diagnosed with autism aged just two.

"I was a bit different from neuro-typicals," he said.

"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.

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"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."

Jethro's love of running began when he was a young boy growing up in the Philippines, taking part in national competitions.

"I ran on the streets of Carmona and my mum needed to stop me running into the next district," he recalled.

"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.

Later that year he ran in the Great South Run to raise money for Marie Curie and even had the chance to meet Olympian and eventual race winner, Paula Radcliffe.

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A current service user at Bradford's Cygnet Hospital Wyke, Jethro's training has been taking place in West Yorkshire, jogging and walking in Wellholme Park and training with Bradford Airedale Athletics Club.

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 hard work and effort he is putting into his training is really inspiring. We will all be cheering him on and wishing him the very best."

To donate to Jethro and the NAS, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/jethrotcslm2023.