We’re very excited to welcome Dustin Erhardt on to team Cerebra for the London Marathon 2018!
Dustin’s story of how he came to decide to run for Cerebra is a unique and inspiring one.
Dustin lives in North Dakota in the USA and first took up running when he joined a group called I Run 4 – who match runners with buddies who may not be able to run themselves because of physical or developmental reasons.
He was paired with a little boy from the UK called Samuel who has Autism and he has been the inspiration for him taking part in a number of marathons and in April, Dustin is planning on making the journey across the Atlantic to meet his buddy and run the prestigious London Marathon!
Dustin told us: “For the past two years I have had the honour of being matched with an amazing little boy named Samuel. In this time he has become like a nephew to me and we have exchanged pictures, videos, medals, encouragement and so much more. In May this past year I ran my first marathon with him with me every step. In training every mile that got tough I knew he was right there with me encouraging me to keep going. And now in April 2018 I have been given the amazing opportunity to travel to London and meet Samuel and run the London Marathon with him there cheering me on in person thanks to Cerebra as they have granted me a charity entry into the heavily sought-after London Marathon. Together we can bring awareness and support for all of those that live with Autism.
My buddy Samuel’s little sister Phoebe is also a member of the IRun4 group and she has a a genetic condition called xp11.4 duplication. She has a small hippocampus on the left side of the brain that is damaged and which they believe is causing her epilepsy. She suffers from this along with autism, delayed speech and a hearing condition called hyperacusis. So for me, supporting a charity like Cerebra is not only important for all children it is very near and dear to my “Family” (we have completely adopted each other as family). I run because I can. When I get tired, I remember those who can’t run , what they’d give to have this simple gift I take for granted, and I run harder for them. I know they would do the same for me.”
Dustin is fundraising through his Virgin Money Giving Page and has already raised nearly £1,000! You can donate through this and help him reach his £2,000 target.
The London Marathon is taking place on 22nd April.
