A SUPPORT worker will be among an elite team of runners who will put their best feet forward for a good cause.

Warren Quail, of Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, is heading Stateside next month to take part in the New York Marathon on November 3.

The 36-year-old, works at Prospect House residential home for adults with autism in Whalley Road, Accrington, and will fly to America to raise awareness of the condition which affects the brain, as well as raising money for the National Autistic Society.

And Warren, who has worked at the home since it opened in July, has already enlisted the help of schools in East Lancashire. He has received sponsorship help from Oakhill College, Whalley, Pleckgate High School, Blackburn, and Darwen's Moorland High.

Warren, who lives with his fiancee Wenche Larsen, 39, in Whalley Road, hopes to raise at least £2,000 in the 26-mile run.

He said: "This is completely new to me. I recently retired from playing football so this is a way of keeping fit for me as well as helping the cause.

"It is vitally important to raise awareness of autism and I have also written to all of the senior cabinet ministers in London, local MPs and a number of local football teams.

"There are two main reasons for doing this marathon really as people need to be made more aware of autism and how it affects the people who have it. And there are also much needed funds which need to be raised."

Warren has already raised more than £1,000 and hopes to raise even more before he flies to New York next month.

He will be joined in the run by another 11 people from the UK who are are either support workers or parents of people with autism. To support Warren call Prospect House on 01254 384117.

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