Parents to run Manchester Marathon for causes that have helped autistic daughter

Chris and Zoe Riding, who live in Leigh, will be pounding the streets of Manchester on Sunday, April 5 for charity Breaking Barriers and the Happy Days Special Needs Community Group.

Their nine-year-old daughter Ellie-May has autism spectrum disorder and both causes have provided sources of comfort for the family.

Ellie-May also has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

It will be the first time Zoe will be running a marathon, with warehouse manager Chris, 47, completing his maiden marathon in London last year.

Nursery nurse Zoe, 34, started her training for the big day on December 31.

The Riding family

The family were also VIP guests for Breaking Barriers for the opening night of the event Winter Funland in Manchester last year

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Zoe said: "We face so many challenges every day as a family and it is very hard.

"Every day is challenging for Ellie-May so I wanted to set myself the biggest challenge possible to complete.

"Happy Days provides a massive support for families and there is nothing like it in the area.

"They have helped so many families in Leigh and Ellie-May enjoys going to the events they hold.

"Chris is raising money for Breaking Barriers, which is a charity that helps families with children who have disabilities and they do amazing work."

Breaking Barriers was founded in 2012 and helps more than 1,000 families across the UK.

They organise events such as fun days which Ellie-May has been to before.

Last year, Ellie-May, who has a six-year-old sister Lucy, also won an accolade at an awards ceremony held by the charity last October.

She was presented with the Being True to Herself award.

Zoe has set up a crowdfunding page for Happy Days Special Needs Community Group.

To donate to Zoe's page click here.

To give money to Breaking Barriers click here.