Feat at London Marathon as Nikki runs in support of autistic children

6th May 2026

A learning support assistant at a Southampton primary school is on course to raise £2,000 for Autism Hampshire following her TCS London Marathon run.

Nikki Symons, 42, was among the record-breaking 59,000 participants who took on the 26.2-mile route.

They followed in the wake of the blistering pace set by Sabastian Sawe, who made history with the first official sub-two-hour marathon at 1:59:30 with Yomif Kejelcha crossing the finishing line just 11 seconds later.

Working at Kanes Hill Primary in Thornhill, Nikki drew inspiration from pupils with additional needs she helps support as their Positive Behaviour Assistant.

She carried a piece of paper with the names of 26 children written down to get her through the endurance event - and listened to motivational voice notes from the youngsters and colleagues.

Nikki’s run in six hours and four minutes raised money for Autism Hampshire. Fittingly, her first marathon took place during Autism Acceptance Month.

Nikki said: “I work at a wonderful local primary school, supporting children with additional needs, many of whom are autistic or have ADHD; it’s a role that brings me purpose and pride every single day.

“To get me through, I carried a piece of paper with the names of 26 children written down and also listened to their pre-recorded voice notes and those from colleagues – one voice note for every mile.

“Having them with me for each mile was a psychological boost – they kept me going.”

The 26^th and final message was from Katie Smith, Acting Principal at Kanes Hill, whose rousing voice note saw Nikki over the finishing line at Pall Mall in front of thousands of spectators.

Nikki added: “Autism Hampshire’s work supporting autistic people and their families in our local community is incredible — and being selected to run for them was a true honour.

“Autism Hampshire has developed and delivers high quality services that meet the diverse needs of autistic people in Hampshire and the surrounding area, with training, home care, supported living services and an information, advice and guidance team which responds to an average of 12,000 requests for help each year.

“I’m incredibly grateful for all the donations made, and to colleagues at Kanes Hill Primary for their backing, with the £2,000 fundraising target in sight.”

Nikki took up running 10 years ago after seeing a picture of herself at her sister’s wedding.

“I didn’t like what I saw. That moment became a turning point. The very next day, I laced up my trainers and started the Couch to 5K program.

“Running quickly became more than just exercise — it became my therapy, my confidence-builder, and my way back to me. I lost seven stone in weight, but more importantly, I gained self-belief, resilience and a new perspective on life.

“Running helped me rediscover my strength — and it gave me the courage to step back into the working world, in a job I now love.”

Katie said: “Nikki is an inspiration to us all for what she has achieved, running for a cause close to our hearts, and we are so pleased that the voice notes provided motivation miles for this tough marathon.”

Donation to Nikki can still be made via https://avenuesgroup.enthuse.com/pf/nikki-symons

If this story has inspired you to take on the 26.2 mile challenge, then apply now for one of our 2027 London Marathon charity spaces:

https://avenuesgroup2.beaconforms.com/form/c79d8b9...

Article courtesy of Deep South Media