Newcastle-under-Lyme Family Champions Neurodiversity in Charity 5k Run
A dedicated mother from Newcastle-under-Lyme has successfully completed a charity 5k run, driven by a heartfelt mission to celebrate the strength and resilience of her neurodivergent family. Carly Outerbridge, alongside her husband and daughter, participated in the Caudwell Children’s Spring Into Action Fun Run at Keele University on April 19, raising an impressive £235 to support vital equipment and assessments for disabled and neurodivergent children.
Personal Journey Fuels Fundraising Effort
Carly Outerbridge, who works as a placements and project manager at Keele University, spoke passionately about her family's connection to autism ahead of the event. She explained, "Autism is incredibly close to our hearts, and it’s a big part of the journey we’re on together as a family. We know first‑hand how challenging it can be to be neurodivergent, and how difficult it is when you feel misunderstood by the world around you."
The family's journey began seven years ago when Carly's husband first suspected he might be neurodivergent. Initially, his GP informed him that a referral for an NHS assessment was not available, and the family was unaware that private assessments were an option at the time. Carly recounted, "We didn’t know at that time that a private assessment was an option, so we left it at that."
Last year, as her husband's autistic traits became more apparent during the pandemic, leading to struggles at home and work, the family conducted further research. He returned to his GP and is now on the NHS Right to Choose pathway for a diagnosis. Currently, he is in the final stage of receiving an ADHD diagnosis and remains on the waiting list for an autism assessment.
Supporting Their Daughter's Diagnosis Journey
Meanwhile, the Outerbridge's daughter is also embarking on her own path towards a diagnosis. Carly described her daughter's challenges, stating, "Our daughter has always struggled in social situations, hiding behind us in new environments. She doesn’t like change and has anxiety, which sometimes causes her physical illness, amongst other key traits."
She expressed the difficulty of witnessing her daughter's struggles and the family's increasing desire for an assessment for autism and ADHD to ensure proper support from both home and school. Carly highlighted the issue of masking, where her daughter suppresses autistic behaviours or copies neurotypical peers to fit in, a phenomenon more common in girls than boys.
Carly addressed misconceptions from friends and relatives, noting, "Sometimes friends and relatives are surprised when we talk about neurodivergent family members, citing that they don’t ‘appear autistic’. But I explain that it’s part of masking." She praised her family's resilience, adding, "Every day, both my daughter and her dad show such strength, resilience, and so much heart. They’re two of the kindest and most beautiful people and I couldn’t be prouder of them."
Successful and Joyful Charity Event
Reflecting on the fun run, Carly shared her family's positive experience. "We loved the event! Although my hubby could barely breathe (or see!) in his spiderman mask at times, and we had to walk lots of it, but our daughter really enjoyed it and took her certificate and medal into school today," she said. Her daughter was particularly proud of winning the fancy-dress competition, and Carly expressed gratitude for the support from family and friends, emphasizing, "We’re grateful to our amazing family and friends for all their support and sponsorship, it truly means the world."
Impact of Fundraising for Caudwell Children
Kathryn Turner-Morgan, challenges manager at Caudwell Children, commended the Outerbridge family's efforts. She stated, "By fundraising for Caudwell Children, the Outerbridge family is helping disabled and neurodivergent children have brighter, more independent futures. Their support means we can help more families through services like autism assessments, mobility and sensory equipment, occupational therapy and our Shaping Futures employability programme."
She found their story inspiring and wished them well on their ongoing journeys towards diagnosis and better support. Caudwell Children, founded in 2000 by entrepreneur John Caudwell, has grown into a leading UK charity over the past 25 years, dedicated to empowering disabled and neurodivergent children and their families. The charity's vision is a world where every such child has the opportunity, support, and freedom to realise their unique potential, celebrating their talents and perspectives.
All donations directly fund practical and emotional services developed with input from children and families, ensuring targeted and effective support for those in need.
