A Bury dad is up and running to raise money for a subject close to his heart.

Richard Lewis, from Hollins, is in training for the Great Manchester Run, in aid of the National Autism Society (NAS).

Richard chose to take on the 10k race for the charity after his younger daughter, Niamh (5), was diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder earlier this year.

"It took several months between Niamh's school recognising she could be on the autistic spectrum and getting a formal diagnosis," said Richard (42), an HR manager for the Co-operative Bank.

"During that time, the National Autistic Society's website was a great source of help and support."

Autism is a lifelong disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people and the world around them. Some are able to live relatively independent lives, but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support.

In March, Richard's work brought him into more direct contact with the society.

"The Co-operative Bank has supported NAS's Keeping Safe' campaign to help teenagers with Asperger's Syndrome - the form of autism which Niamh has - when they come into contact with the criminal justice system.

"The campaign helps youngsters and police and other criminal justice professionals recognise the problems people with autism have in dealing with social situations."

He added: "At the launch event of the Keeping Safe criminal justice information pack, I and some of my colleagues got chatting to their fundraising people, and it turned out they had a couple of places left on the Great Manchester Run. They knew we were from Manchester, and now two of us from our team in human resources are taking part."

Richard has never run a distance race before, but has got into training for the event in May - with help from Niamh and her big sister Freya (8), both pupils at Hollins Grundy Primary School.

"When I take them to the park they play on the swings while I have to run around the outside," said Richard. "They even take a stopwatch to time me!"

To support Richard in the May 18 race, donate at www.justgiving.com/ richard_d_lewis.

For information about the NAS, visit www.autism.org.uk or call the NAS donation line 08702 33 40 40. For details about local help for autism, the NAS Autism Helpline is 0845 070 4004.