A MUM-OF-TWO is hoping to destigmatise autism by running 50 races in a year for a charity which helps families affected by the condition.

Susan Rigg, of Barningham, in Teesdale, set herself the challenge to mark her 50th birthday after suffering a difficult few years when her family home she shares with husband Stuart and sons Thomas and Elliott burnt down in 2013.

The Northern Echo:

The farmhouse at Spanham Farm after it was gutted by fire

Shortly afterwards, Thomas, now 11, was diagnosed with autism while her youngest son, Elliott, ten, is currently being assessed for it.

Mrs Rigg said she has been given invaluable support by the North East Autism Society (NEAS) and now hopes to give something back.

She said: “The year of the fire in 2013, Thomas was diagnosed with ADHD and the following March, autism so it was a rough year and if it had not been for NEAS putting on courses we would not be where we are now.”

The Northern Echo:

The Rigg's farmhouse has been fully restored.

Mrs Rigg said the charity had also given her the confidence to home-school both boys on the family farm while Thomas has is no longer needs medication he used to take while attending school.

“NEAS have been brilliant,” she added. “There’s still a huge stigma with it and I think we need to change that.”

And Mrs Rigg has got off to a flying start by completing the Race for Life and the Bamburgh 10k and hopes to finish her challenge with the same races next year.