TEN hours of dedicated running has pulled in the pounds for the eagerly awaited Hop Skip And Jump development.

Syd Jackson, 42, of Gorse Hill, ran the Thames Trot 50-mile ultra marathon from Iffley to Henley in 10 hours and 12 minutes and raised about £1,000.

The money will go towards the charity’s planned centre at Lydiard Park for children with special needs, which was given planning permission last year.

“It was hard work, it took me a long time,” said insurance broker Syd.

“I was pleased to get there, that was for sure.

“I didn’t feel great a couple of times but I wasn’t actually ill, which was something.

“I think it got better the longer it went on, from about 30 miles onwards it started to get better.

“It was a great feeling to finally finish, you just think ‘oh thank goodness for that.’”

The Hop Skip And Jump centre, which already has bases in Cheltenham and Bristol, will include specialist treatment rooms, sensory rooms, large play areas, and a variety of support facilities for families and carers.

Syd decided to run in aid of the charity after he was told about it by friends.

“I thought it would be a good cause because it is something local,” he said.

“I know a few people with autistic children who have visited the ones in Bristol and Cheltenham and they said if it was in Swindon it would be much easier.

“At the moment if they go it’s a whole day rather than just popping up there.”

The charity’s total now stands at £160,000 but they need £985,000.

A spokeswoman for Hop Skip And Jump said: “We would like to thank Syd for the support, time and training in preparation for the race.

“It was an honour having Syd represent Hop Skip And Jump.

“We would also like to thank everyone who sponsored Syd for running the 50 miles, no donation is too small and all of the money raised will be going towards the building costs of our new centre at Lydiard Park.”

To sponsor Syd visit www.justgiving.com/ syd-jackson or to help the charity email office@ hopskipandjump.org.uk.