Parent carer takes on London marathon challenge to support families with disabled children like hers

3 mins read

Friday 7 March 2025

Tags: fundraising challenge, running, London Marathon, carer, disability


A mum of three from Cambridgeshire is running her first marathon to support families with disabled children across the UK.

Jeanette Dyer’s daughter Rose, 19, has the genetic condition Noonan Syndrome. Jeanette received advice from Contact while Rose was growing up. And now she has signed up to do the London marathon in support of Contact!

Jeanette said: “Rose has conquered many challenges in her life. She has a learning disability as well as learning difficulties, growth and motor issues. I got advice from Contact’s helpline about how to apply for an education health and care plan for Rose so she could receive 1:1 support from a Teaching Assistant in mainstream school to access the curriculum.

“Contact’s specialist advice and information also helped me apply for a needs assessment, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and Carer’s Allowance.”

Giving back

Jeanette added: “Rose’s determination to overcome challenges led her to participate in dance classes and gymnastics, in which she later coached young children.

“Rose went on to study childcare at college. She is now in her first job as an early years practitioner, supported through Access to Work. I am sure that Rose has managed to achieve her potential in life through accessing all of the support that Contact has recommended for her. We are so grateful to them.”

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Jeanette was bitten by the running bug over 12 years ago. In that time she has completed five Cambridge half marathons, as well as many Cambourne 10K races. But this is the first time she has done a full marathon.

Jeanette added: “I enjoy running because it is a chance to get out of the house away from life’s difficulties and into nature and also for ‘me time’. I realise now that it is something that I am good at. It gives me confidence, having had to give up my career as a research scientist.”

As well as running and being a parent carer, Jeanette enjoys helping other families with Noonan Syndrome. She is a Trustee and Chair of the Medical Subgroup of the Noonan Syndrome Association UK.

“Our runners help us continue providing vital support”

Jeanette will be running as part of a team of 17 runners for Contact.

Beena Patel, Individual Giving Manager at Contact, said: “We know that running 26 miles is a monumental challenge. We’re incredibly proud and humbled by our runners’ dedication, hard work, training and fundraising to support our work. It really does make a difference and helps us to continue to provide vital support to families with disabled children up and down the country.

“That’s why we will be there on the day cheering and congratulating their efforts to help us help more families with disabled children.”

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