Sophie's Half Marathon Charity Walk for Dyslexia

Hello Everyone,

I'm raising money in aid of The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) by setting the challenge of walking a 1/2 Marathon on 13th November 2021. Any contribution you can give would be very much appreciated and I thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me. If you cannot afford to donate please share the link to spread more awareness, which is equally as important.

The BDA is the voice of dyslexic people. They aim to influence the government and other institutions to promote a dyslexia friendly society, enabling dyslexic people of all ages to reach their full potential; promoting early identification of specific learning difficulties (SpLD), and further support in schools ensuring opportunities for dyslexic learners to excel.

My Story:

Throughout my life, I felt embarrassed that I couldn't read the board quick enough to take notes and when I did, I couldn't spell some of the most simple words right. Being a teenager you're very impressionable and although I realize that being dyslexic is a strength and not a weakness, it did lower my confidence and self-esteem. However, now, I am fortunate enough to surpass those feelings and not feel ashamed to ask for help when I need it. Not having the support and understanding makes your self-esteem/ confidence very low, you feel like you are not good at anything and that it's an endless cycle of having comments such as "Sophie knows the information but finds it hard to put down on paper". Trying so hard to get the best grade you can and then being completely heartbroken when you don't achieve it but not because you don't have the content but being the way you articulate it, unlike my peers is very disheartening. Knowing you are different can feel very isolating and not knowing if anyone understands how your feeling can make you feel almost invalid. Dyslexia affects so many people in different ways, so it is important that we have charities like BDA whose mission is to make society a more dyslexic-friendly place.

Until my GCSEs, my difficulty in certain aspects of literacy skills was always just regarded as needing to try harder or just practice more. When leaving year 9, the entire year was tested to see if individuals needed extra support or circumstances to ensure everyone archived the best results possible in year 11 for GCSE's. The result provided me with 25% extra time in my examinations, which at first I was embarrassed that I was granted this, but after a while I realized that actually, it was pretty good having extra time to check my answers or to add more information, making exams less stressful. This however wasn't the end but more of the beginning of my journey to being diagnosed as Dyslexic.

Moving to college, I was apprehensive that I wasn't going to get the 25% extra time for my A-Levels and would be out to fend for myself. Thankfully the college tested the entire year group for SpLD *see top of page* and took action accordingly by assisting the individuals that needed extra support. I couldn't have had more support and guidance from the nicest people who are trained professionals in this field. Without this extra support, I would not have grown as a person nor achieved what I did within my college experience. Having weekly 1-1 sessions with my support teacher going through assignments with me, planning answers, responses helped me to gain the best results possible, which resulted in me leaving college in 2020 with A, D* & C grades. My support teacher also provided me with strategies and plans to create better revision sources preparing me for the jump to university.

Moving to university and applying for a 'Disabled Students Allowance' (DSA) was a time-consuming process that can cost parents/carers and individuals a lot of money! Luckily I had the guidance of my support teacher to help guide me through the process. Some people do not have this and without the guidance, I don't believe I would be at University gaining the support I need from lecturers and the university team as well as from the government. Now almost halfway through my degree and finishing my 1st year with a 2:1 I am progressing in each module. Nevertheless, without all the support I was provided, I don't know if this would have been the case.

I was lucky enough to get the support I needed and am now able to access support when I need it. In turn, this enables me to continue achieving my full potential. However, not everyone is able to access this support and by raising money for the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) they can help more people become diagnosed earlier and get the support they need. I cannot express how much support is vital for some people to achieve what they are capable of. If you have any money to spare, any donation would be greatly appreciated if you can help.

Thank you so much, I appreciate you reading this,

Sophie :) x