Marathon challenge marks personal journey and support for autistic families

12th January 2026

A Hampshire paramedic is preparing to take on his first ever marathon in Malta to raise money for Autism Hampshire, a cause close to his heart following his son’s diagnosis.

Ben Glover, 46, from Whiteley, will be running the Malta Marathon in six weeks’ time, despite admitting that he ‘never liked running’ and had only previously completed the Great South Run around five years ago.

Ben decided to take on the challenge after a difficult period in his life, during which he experienced poor mental health following relationship breakdowns.

“I had a bit of a breakdown. To the point I wanted to end my life. It was pretty horrific,” he said.

With support from his employer, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Ben was able to access therapy, which he says helped him address underlying issues and begin making changes to his lifestyle.

“Once I got those issues sorted out, I started running,” he explained. “I was in Newquay one morning and I hadn’t slept for three and a half weeks. I found myself in my running gear. I decided to get up and change and that was it. I started running, eating better and I stopped drinking.”

Running quickly became a way for Ben to rebuild both his physical and mental wellbeing, and he began sharing his experiences through his Instagram account, A Single Dad Uncovered, which explores the realities of single parenthood and mental health.

The idea of running a marathon began as a challenge to himself after setting a social media goal.

“Initially I wanted to start off doing a 5k, 10k run but then I thought why not go for it,” he said. “I had said I would run a marathon if I got up to 500 followers and I hit this just before Christmas. I’m like a rabbit in headlights.”

Malta was a meaningful choice for the event. Ben previously lived there, helped provide paramedic support at the Malta Marathon, and it is also where his youngest son was born.

Ben’s son, Harlan, now 12, was diagnosed as autistic around three to four years ago. When Harlan was first diagnosed, Autism Hampshire was recommended to Ben as a source of training and support.

Through his work as a resuscitation officer and paramedic, as well as a broadcaster, he has since has been through a lot of autism training and become a strong advocate for greater understanding.

Ben, who has also been recognised as having ADHD, said: “I’ve learnt quite a lot about autism. I have become a bit of an autism advocate.

“I have seen my son go through difficulties and don’t want that to happen to anyone else. It’s massively important to get it recognised.”

Ben said his son has been enthusiastic about the marathon and the charity he is supporting.

“He loved the fact I’m doing it [the marathon] for autism,” Ben said. “He’s always been encouraged to embrace it.”

He hopes the challenge will also help challenge misconceptions.

“People think it is just naughty behaviour. So I hope to bring that to the forefront,” he said.

So far, Ben has raised £235 for Autism Hampshire - part of Avenues Group. Autism Hampshire has been supporting autistic people, their families and professionals for more than 50 years. Services include supported living, community groups for autistic adults, autism‑focused training, and an Information, Advice and Guidance service.

Ben says the response from others has been overwhelming, with people reaching out through social media, including families who are currently going through the diagnosis process.

Reflecting on the wider impact of the challenge, Ben added: “I wear my heart on my sleeve. The people that do listen are the ones that care. It’s touched many people and that’s what it’s all about.”

Ben’s fundraising page can be found at www.justgiving.com/page/benglover4malta or follow him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/a_single_dad_uncovered/.