Emily, 33, is taking on the 2026 TCS London Marathon for her (not so) little brother Dan who has a
learning disability
A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things.
,
autism
Autism is a disability. Autistic people find it difficult to understand what other people think and feel. They also find it difficult to tell people what they think and feel. Everyone with autism is different.
and a genetic disorder called NF1 which impacts his mobility. She is truly passionate about the cause, and in the past has volunteered at Camp America in a group that specialised in both children and adults that have both physical and a learning disability.
Emily and Dan's mum is a teaching assistant at a school for children with a learning disability and was a carer before. When she was a carer Emily used to love helping her out in her spare time and getting to know the children and their families.
Until Emily learnt about Mencap she always worried people like Dan wouldn't have a voice nor representation. She was relieved when she discovered more about the campaigning and education Education is when you learn things. When you fill in a form to get a job, education means you write where you went to school, college or university. work that Mencap does, and that people with a learning disability lead Mencap's communications. Mencap does not speak for people with a learning disability.
Dan is my biggest connection - he's just the best and is a constant source of inspiration! I've watched some of the struggles Dan has faced in his life because of his learning disability and how he has overcome them. Dan works in the Research Research is a way of finding out information which could come from books, or asking people what they think. Team at Mencap and absolutely loves it, I couldn't be more grateful for Mencap for both raising awareness and being such a good employer. I wish more employers would be open minded in their employment
Employment means having a job. strategies - it's mutually beneficial, Dan is brilliant at his job.
Emily’s top fundraising tips are don't ask people for donations in January but do ask them on payday. If you can, ask your employer to see if they can donate, the worst thing they can do is say no. Many corporations will have a planned allocation for these requests. Finally, who can say no to a pub quiz? They are always a good idea.
This is Emily’s first marathon and first time supporting Mencap, and we couldn’t be prouder of her. Inspired by Emily’s amazing running and fundraising? Check out one of our events now and support people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.