West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock to run the London Marathon
He'll be raising money for the Accessible Learning Foundation
Former Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, says he will run this year’s London Marathon.
The West Suffolk MP's announced he'll be taking on the challenge in aid of the Accessible Learning Foundation (ALF), a charitable organisation he set up to help those with neurodivergent conditions – including dyslexia, ADHD and autism.
Speaking ahead of the marathon (Sunday, 21st April), he said: “I am excited to be running the London Marathon again, but this time in support of the Accessible Learning Foundation (ALF).
“ALF seeks to promote early identification and provide better support for those with dyslexia and other neurodivergent conditions in schools, workplaces and prisons. It’s a cause very close to my heart – and will change the lives of thousands.
“Too often, people who are neurodivergent are overlooked and do not receive the necessary support they deserve, especially during their school years. This lack of support can lead to tragic and devastating consequences, with a disproportionate number of neurodivergent people falling into the ‘school-to-prison’ pipeline.
"This doesn’t need to happen and quite frankly, it shouldn’t happen. It really is a quiet scandal.”
"Every person deserves access to appropriate identification and support"
The former Cabinet Minister, whose upcoming Neurodivergent Conditions Screening Bill will be read in Parliament two days after the marathon, added: “As someone whose dyslexia was identified after I’d left school, I have been passionate about advocating for change in this area for many years. It was a lightbulb moment and made all the difference because I was essentially re-taught how to read and write.
“I’m acutely aware that I’m one of the lucky ones but I believe that every person deserves access to appropriate identification and support, regardless of their neurodivergent condition or circumstance.
“Any money raised will go directly to ALF and will help fund their campaigns for early identification and better support for those with neurodivergent conditions.”
So far he's raised nearly £2000.