THE dad of a three-year-old daughter with autism has put his best foot forward to help raise more than £1,100 for a children’s centre that has helped his family.

Mike Jones from Cinderford ran the Cardiff Half Marathon with Blakeney friend Ben Browning and presented a cheque to Coleford-based charity the Forest of Dean Children’s Opportunity Centre (FDCOC) last week.

Mike’s family have been struggling for two years to achieve and manage daughter Lola’s diagnosis of autism, and the sponsored 13.2-mile challenge was his way of saying thank you to the charity which supports youngsters with special needs and their families.

Sonia Molyneux, joint manager at the Bowen’s Hill Road-based centre, said: “We are so grateful to Mike and Ben for raising this money for us.

“Every penny raised for us goes directly to providing the individual and tailored support each family we work with requires.

“It has been lovely working with Lola and her family and we are delighted with Lola’s progress.”

Mike added: “Money really makes a difference to the centre. Running a half marathon has been on my bucket list and I wanted to give something back in exchange for all the support we have received.”

An FDCOC spokeswoman said: “It is only with help from staff at the centre that the family have been able to navigate the minefield of gaining a diagnosis and then access the right support.

“The centre relies totally on grants and fundraising to ensure it can continue to help children and their families.

“It was the staff at the centre being by the family’s side every step of the way that made all the difference to Lola and her family. Often the process of gaining a diagnosis is incredibly daunting and emotional.

“The centre is available to help any child and their family, whether they have an existing diagnosis or not.

“Their core belief is that each child and their individual differences are celebrated as unique qualities and that all children should grow and learn together.”

Founded by local health visitor Ann Smallwood in 1982, the cente is marking its 36th anniversary with a celebration night on Saturday, December 1, at Forest Hills Golf Club, with Lydney Paralympic triathlon champion Andy Lewis as guest speaker.

To book tickets or a table, call 01594 837552 or email [email protected]

For more information, go to fodopportunitycentre.org