NATIONWIDE celebrated World Autism Awareness Day today by launching a sponsored 10k run in collaboration with a Swindon-based autism charity.

The building society announced plans for the Bluebell 10k event starting at its Pipers Way HQ on May 9. All proceeds raised will go towards the charity Discovering Autistic Spectrum Happiness - DASH.

The event will start and finish at the HQ and the family and the dog-friendly route will take in the best the town has to offer, including the bluebell woods in Blagrove.

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.

She said: “Jacob has a great support network at school and Swindon is fantastic for the level of support it does offer those people with autism and Aspergers.

“Groups like DASH change people’s lives for the better, they give them that independence back and help them grow. That’s why it’s important to sign up and get involved in something like this.”

Mother-of-three Rebecca will be joined by husband Trinity and children Scarlet four and Xavier two on the day.

DASH secretary Anne Billingham said that the event was about celebrating being different.

“Everyone knows someone or has a friend or family member with autism or Asperger’s and this event is about raising awareness and it is something the whole family can get involved in,” she said.

A local celebrity is set to open the event with the fire service set to do the warm-ups for the participants. Ice-cream, refreshments and games will also be provided at the all-day event.

Registration is £12 for adults with a discount for entrants with autism and their carers, with children going free. Sponsorship is optional but appreciated.

Registration can be completed at www.dashswindon.com or emailinfo@dashswindon.com for a registration form.

DASH and the National Autistic Society work together in Swindon to raise awareness and understanding of autism. They top to support individuals and families with information, advice, and social and employment opportunities.

The Bluebell 10k event 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 & Advice Service which since opening in May 2013 has helped 500 people.