Long Ducker

Our most recent fundraiser saw Charles Whiddington run the British institution that is ‘Long Ducker’. Only revived in 1977 by ex-Harrovian Penn Hadow (the arctic explorer – just to give you an idea of how demanding it is, or maybe just how mad you’d have to be to attempt it), the course covers a grueling 10 miles from the top of Harrow Hill, following the Harrow Road down to Bayswater; then along to Marble Arch and back the same way (and the same 10 miles) up to Harrow.

Charles tells us why he ran and why he chose to support The Autism Trust:

‘I have encountered autism on a number of times in my life. Most immediately, my sister – who lives in Toronto – has an autistic son who is almost 11. When he was two years old he lost the power of speech suddenly, over the course of just a few days. Although he is sweet natured, he has remained so-called 'non-verbal' ever since and will always need hands-on care. Caring for him is Herculean and there is little or no support for families with severely autistic children.

It is very hard on my sister and her husband and their biggest worry is how my nephew (also named Charles) will be cared for after they are no longer able to cope. There is a wonderful centre in the Pyrenees, which cares for autistic people, and a very close friend's brother is there. He is very content there. There seems to be nothing like this in Canada and I am not aware of anything in the UK.’

Charles ran then, for his namesake, on 1 November 2009, ‘in a shade over 3 hours. The weather was foul - driving rain and strong winds, but the worst was the mile-after-mile run back up hill to the top of Harrow Hill.’ He admits to being a ‘bit sore and raw in a few places, but fine now.’ In addition to his own excellent time, Charles’ son actually won the race in 2 hours, 30 minutes. So a pretty impressive family effort!

'Charles is still raising money for the event, so please go to his Just Giving page, have a look, and donate if you can!'