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London Marathon runner’s support for Ambitious about Autism
Jonathan Kini, who is a managing director at TalkTalk in Salford raised money along with his colleague John Bowles who raised more than £4,500.
Ambitious about Autism is the national charity standing with autistic children and young people.
The charity champions rights, campaigns for change and creates opportunities for young people with autism.
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Mr Kini and Mr Bowles both chose to fundraise for Ambitious about Autism as they are passionate about the work of the charity and due to TalkTalk’s long-standing partnership.
On Sunday, 21 May, over 70 TalkTalk colleagues also ran for Ambitious about Autism.
This marks part of TalkTalk’s 20th anniversary celebrations, alongside the Great Run series which will also mark this milestone.
Before running the marathon, Mr Kini met up with football coach Paul Scholes at Scholes Gym in Oldham where Paul discussed his personal experiences with autism and life with his son, Aiden.
Mr Kini said: “Ambitious about Autism is an incredible charity that does amazing work in educating and creating opportunities for autistic children and young people and I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to run for them at this year’s London Marathon.
“It was really hard to keep consistency in training but that was the key to success.
“It’s been brilliant working with our Marketing team in TalkTalk’s Direct Business unit to maximise fundraising for this important cause.”
Amongst Mr Kini’s supporters who came to cheer him on was his dog who waited for him, along with the Kini family at the finish line dressed in an Ambitious about Autism vest.
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Mr Bowles, who is based on the Wirral, said: “The charity helps unlock and educate people about the superpowers of autistic thinkers – it’s brilliant!
“My first ever marathon was an unbelievable experience, and what motivated me to keep going was the incredible and life-changing work of Ambitious about Autism.
“My training totalled over 93 runs covering more than 916 miles and it was all worth it to see the generosity of colleagues, friends and family support this fantastic charity.”
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Danae Leaman-Hill, Director of External Affairs and Development at Ambitious about Autism, said: “We are so impressed by Jonathan and John’s achievements at the London Marathon and congratulate them on completing the race in under five hours.
“We are grateful for their incredible fundraising efforts and the generosity of our partners at TalkTalk.
“Their support will play a key role in helping us carry out our vital national work that ensures autistic children and young people can be themselves and realise their ambitions.”
A JustGiving page has been set up for anyone who would still like to donate towards the charity.
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