A first-time fundraiser taking on a half-marathon broke the two-hour barrier - and his fundraising target too.

Keegan Falcao completed the Oxford Half Marathon on Sunday, 12 October, in an impressive time of 01:59:40, raising £265 for autistic young people with complex needs supported by Prior’s Court.

Taking on the 13.1-mile course, Keegan not only achieved a personal milestone but also exceeded his fundraising target, making every step count for a cause close to his heart.

It was Keegan’s mum, Elsa, who works on Reception at Prior’s Court, who first suggested he support the charity.

Keegan said: “My mum initially suggested the charity to me. I took a look at the charity page and I think everyone there is doing a great job helping young people, so I thought I would get involved.

“Since I was running the Oxford Half, I thought it would be a great opportunity to fundraise. I did start a bit late with fundraising but still better late than never!"

Keegan, second right, at the end of the challenge

Living in Reading, Keegan said it felt especially rewarding to support a charity that operates so close to home.

Natalie Norris, Fundraising Manager at Prior’s Court, said: “We’re so proud of Keegan for completing his first half-marathon and for choosing to support Prior’s Court through his challenge. Every fundraiser, no matter the size, helps make a real difference to the lives of the autistic young people with complex needs we support.

"We’d love to hear from anyone inspired by Keegan’s achievement who would like to take on their own challenge for Prior’s Court.”

Inspired? See our current fundraising events

Keegan initially aimed to raise £250 for our Big Little Things Appeal, which helps fund projects and experiences that make a big difference to the lives of autistic young people with complex needs at Prior’s Court. Thanks to the generosity of his supporters, he successfully exceeded this target, reaching £256 (not including Gift Aid).

The Big Little Things Appeal funds specialist equipment and resources that empower young people to live fulfilling and enjoyable lives. Local authority funding for placements does not always stretch to cover these items, yet they are vital in supporting wellbeing and development.

At Prior’s Court, we know that the little things are actually the big things for autistic young people with complex needs. That’s why our expert Care and Education teams have created a list of relatively small expense items that have a huge impact on daily life.

These items help to:

• aid anxieties
• provide sensory benefits
• help with regulation

Overall, they make a young person’s day that bit more manageable and support the learning of skills they can use throughout their life.

Find out more about the appeal