Dad on marathon mission for Charlie

PROUD dad . . . marathon hopeful Russell Burt and son Charlie

WHEN Oldham youngster Charlie Burt started misbehaving and being unresponsive, his parents put it down to a bad case of the “terrible twos”.

However, when his communication slumped and he started to lose words rather than learn more, parents Russell and Kaye Burt became worried.

Dad Russell (28) said: “We thought he had hearing problems at first as he wasn’t responding to his name.

“Then he started spinning and being very quiet.”

Eventually Charlie was diagnosed with moderate to severe autism, something that came as a blow to the family.

“We were totally in the dark about what it entailed. We didn’t understand anything about the condition,” said Russell.

“The only thing we knew was the film Rain Man.”

The pair have been on a rollercoaster journey with their son Charlie, now aged four, ever since.

Russell now plans to tackle the London Marathon on April 17 in a bid to raise over £2,500 for the the National Autistic Society.

The dedicated dad has also arranged a fun-filled evening of entertainment at the Bower Hotel in Chadderton on Friday to boost his fund-raising bid.

Talking openly about his personal experience with the condition, Russell, of Valentines Street, Failsworth, said: “Charlie breaks a lot of things in the house.

“We’ve been through four televisions and nine DVD players in the past year.

“We’ve had to re-carpet and re-wallpaper his room a few times as well but we’ve learned to accept him as he is.

“I love him and I wouldn’t change him. He’s energetic, very happy and loves dinosaurs.

“I’m doing this to raise awareness of autism and support the society, they were always there to support us.”

A keen runner, Russell has taken on 10k races and half-marathons in the past, but nothing of this magnitude.

He added: “I’m nervous and excited. I’ve been pounding the streets in training — and running around after Charlie keeps me fit!”

He is hoping that by hosting the party on Friday for those with a link to autism, or those just wanting a fun evening, he can raise awareness of the condition and reach his target.

Everyone is welcome to attend the event, which will get under way at 7.30pm.

Tickets, priced £5, are available on the door or by calling 07854-226-524.