ALREADY this year, the Archdeacon of Sudbury, the Ven. Dr David Jenkins, has completed ten sponsored races - each of them 10k - to raise awareness and thousands of pounds to help families cope with autism. His own son, 12-year old Ben, has Asperger syndrome. "My lovely son Ben is autistic, and a real gift from God," he says, "although occasionally a challenging one. We have been very grateful for support from Autism Suffolk, and I am very committed to repaying some of their kindness.

"Autism is one of those misunderstood conditions, and I have been very keen to raise its profile for those families who have autistic children, and the joys and sorrows it brings."

The Archdeacon and his wife, Sarah, and their three children live in Great Whelnetham, in the diocese of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich, and Dr Jenkins belongs to the local running club, Bury Pacers. This year, he has taken part in 10k competitions all over East Anglia, including Thurston, Hadleigh, Wymondham, Bungay, Brandon, and - most recently - the Dedham Run, near Colchester. He is often supported by Charlotte Hodgson, of the diocesan advisory committee, and three other friends.

But his appetite for running seems insatiable; he even completed another 10k when they were on holiday on the Isle of Mull, during August. In all, he has raised nearly £5000 for the charity Autism Suffolk.