A FATHER from Dursley is to run his first half marathon to raise money for a cause close to his heart.

Dave Symonds, 44, is to compete in the Stroud Half Marathon on Sunday, October 26, to raise funds for Allsorts, a Stroud-based charity that supports families living with autism in Gloucestershire.

Mr Symonds’ five-year-old daughter Ellie is autistic and is his has served as an inspiration for the run. He has already raised more than £800 of his £1,000 target.

Having always wanted to attempt a marathon, Mr Symonds sees the run in Stroud as his first step in a series of challenges.

He began training a year ago and has gradually increased his speed and distance, reaching close to half marathon length recently in time for the race.

He said: “There are two things that have been my inspired mefor taking on the challenge. The first thing that inspired me was a number of ex-colleagues who sadly passed away.

“Secondly, because we’re involved with Allsorts charity and my daughter Ellie is autistic, I decided that I’d use the run to raise money for them.”

Mr Symonds is a production manager in engineering for Roots Systems Ltd in Stonehouse., suffered from glandular fever during his childhood, causing him to miss out on a lot of school.

Missing out on a lot of physical activity, he sees his new hobby as a means of making up for what he missed.

“It’s gone really well, and I’m surprised at how I’ve managed. I started off walking and running, doing two to three miles,” Mr Symonds said. “Then I’ve just gradually increased what I was doing.

I haven’t stopped since last year so it’s all going to plan.

“The run is very close now, and I’m feeling a mixture of confident and nervous.”

After completing the half marathon Mr Symonds has no intention of slowing down. His plan is to take part in half marathons in Bath, Bristol and Cheltenham next year before moving onto his target of the London Marathon in 2016.

Mr Symonds has received generations donations from a number of local people, groups, and businesses, including Chris Baker Light Haulage & Removals Ltd, in Dursley, and a group of ex-Rednock School pupils arranging a reunion of students from the 1970s and 80s.

To make a donation search for “David Symonds” on uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving.

To learn more about Allsorts visit allsortsglos.org.uk.