RUNNERS dashed through the bluebells this weekend to raise money and awareness for a Swindon-based autism charity.

A 127-strong wave of joggers, children and dogs flocked to the first Bluebell 10k event at Nationwide’s Pipers Way HQ with all proceeds going towards charity Dash (Discovering Autistic Spectrum Happiness).

The Nationwide-sponsored event, which included 3k and 7k options, raised almost £3,000.

Reigning Miss Swindon and Miss England semi-finalist Catissa Creighton donned her tiara and sash to open the event.

She said: “Through my job at a children’s daycare, I see children who are on the autistic spectrum, so I appreciate how important it is to hold events like these.”

The scenic 10k run kicked off at the Nationwide Pavilion and then around Broome Manor Golf Course before looping around Coate Water and back through the arboretum on to Broome Manor Lane. The course then headed for the beautiful bluebell wood of Great Copse before it weaved its way around the woods and returned to the finish via Croft Playing Field and Glenwood Close.

Rob Angus, 41, from Ash Brake, ran the 3km route with his ten-year-old son, James. The event was close to Rob’s heart as James has autism and attends the specialist Chalet school in Liden.

“We were looking forward to it,” said Rob.

“I’ve ran a bit but this will be the first time with James. It’ll be good to run together.”

Fitness instructor Karen Hyde was on hand to put the runners through their paces with a warm-up.

All those taking part in the event were provided with T-shirts and fresh fruit with Nationwide employees and Dash staff volunteering as marshals, and manning stalls and activities for children.

Event organiser Rebecca Martin, 36, a senior risk manager at Nationwide and new Dash trustee from Lawn, was inspired to run the event after her seven-year-old-son Jacob was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. “There was a real buzz around the event and it was really lively,” she said. “People were cheering everyone on and the children were very tired by the end of the day.

“I’m completely overwhelmed with how much support we’ve had. We hoped to raise £2,000 and we’ve lots of people coming up afterwards and saying they hope it’s on next year.

“We just want to say a massive thank you for the support. We’re completely overwhelmed and it does make such a huge difference.”

The money raised will help Dash sustain crucial services in Swindon during 2015 including weekly evening social groups, an employment tool-kit for adults with Asperger’s and the Swindon Autism Information and Advice Service which since opening in May 2013 has helped 500 people.

For more information about Dash visit dashswindon.com