A TEENAGER is taking on the Bracknell Half-Marathon for Autism Berkshire, after gaining inspiration from her younger sister.

Becka Adams, 18, from Bracknell, works as an English and Maths tutor for children with Explore Learning. Her sister, Jessica, was diagnosed with autism at age 13.

Becka explained that she's put herself through a tough training camp in preparation for the race on Sunday May 13.

She said: “I’m very sporty, though running isn’t really my thing, but I think that when you are raising money for something, why just do something you do anyway? The people I’m raising money for all have a challenge in their life, so I’m going to give myself a challenge too.

“When she was diagnosed with Asperger’s at 13, Jessica had a lot of challenges to face, socially, within school, and self-acceptance as well. She has faced her challenges, so I’m going to face one to raise money for her and the charity.

“Getting into the training was quite tricky, especially adding it to my daily routine and over the winter in the dark, but I think that the closer it has got to the event, the easier it has become."

Becka's mother turned to Autism Berkshire after Jessica's diagnosis, as Becka explained they were the best help possible.

She said: “At the time, I remember it felt like we were the only people in the world who were going through this. It was ‘great, we’ve been given a diagnosis, but what does that mean, where do we go, what do we do from here?"