Michael's flying the flag for autism
MELANIE VERRAN
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Round the Bays runner Michael Dick has a special reason for entering the waterfront race this year.
He’s using the event to fundraise for Autism New Zealand, the charity that supports people living with autism, including his older sister Nicole.
Michael, 18, is a keen runner and decided he’d use this year’s event as an "opportunity to do some good".
He chose Autism New Zealand because it doesn’t get as much publicity as some of the larger charities and many people are unaware of what autism is.
"Part of my aim is to get people running with me to ask themselves: ‘What is autism’?" Michael says.
Nicole was 16 years old when she was diagnosed with autism.
"She’s 20 now but a lot of the things she does are like a 10-year-old, like colouring in. But with other things, like most autistic people, she’s really smart. She’s amazing with the internet.
"If it takes her interest she’s really smart."
Autism New Zealand is happy to have Michael flying its flag at the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays on Sunday.
With the charity encouraging people to donate, Michael has already extended his fundraising goal from $250 to $600.
Baker’s Delight Remuera, where Michael works on Sundays, is contributing 30 cents from every hot cross bun sold on Sundays.
The St Heliers teen runs more than 30 kilometres each week. He’s aiming to be in the top 50 and finish the race in under 34 minutes.
He’s run the Auckland half marathon and the Arthur Lydiard half marathon and hopes to complete a full marathon by the end of the year.
To donate to Autism New Zealand visit Michael’s fundraising website www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/michaeldick/.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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