Generous Mark Perrin is limbering up for a tough test on September 26 for a charity close to his heart.

In training - Mark Perrin who is running for the National Autistic Society Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Mark, 30, of Van Diemens Pass, Canvey, embarking on the Great North Run, in aid of the National Autistic Society.

He said: "I did the run last year - it was a bit of a struggle, but I managed it in just over two hours, and raised £700 for Leukaemia Research.

"But my 14-year-old brother, Karl, has got a derivative of autism, so I decided to run for the National Autistic Society.

Autism, including Asperger's Syndrome, is a lifelong developmental disability which occurs in varying degrees and affects 530,000 people in Britain.

Sufferers have difficulties forming relationships, problems communicating and develop obsessional interests.

Mark, who works for an insurance broker in London is hoping to net at least £2,000 for the charity and is among a team of 20 runners being sponsored for the same cause.

Published Tuesday August 10, 2004

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