A mother of three from Buckinghamshire, whose eldest son was born with severe autism, has shared her story of the pressures she faced and how fitness has helped her to cope with the stress that comes with raising a child with autism. 45-year-old Lucinda Marsden began training with BMF in her local park five years ago and says getting fitter has allowed her to be far better equipped to cope with the sheer physical exhaustion at home.

Speaking of her experience, Lucinda said: “I started BMF because I hated exercising at the gym. I tried to go regularly many times over the years before I had children, and many times I gave up - I love the outdoors and having a laugh. When I had my first child, who is now 16, he changed my life - looking after a child with severe autism is physically and mentally exhausting - and of course there is a grieving process parents go through after diagnosis. Being able to get outside with BMF gave me some time back, raised my endorphins and helped me to cope with the day to day."

Lucinda continues: “New mothers often don't get much sleep to begin with, but in my situation this is ongoing and I had to juggle looking after my son with looking after new born twins, all under three years old, which was very hard. I found that the more I trained, the fitter I became, which meant I was far better equipped to cope with the sheer physical exhaustion at home, and the social side of attending classes allowed me to have time with others my own age.”

Research by BMF has shown a clear link between exercise and the great outdoors as a way to combat anxiety, stress and depression, as of over 1,000 people questioned, 55.3% said spending time outdoors in the fresh air makes them feel better when they are suffering from anxiety and depression. 35% of people said exercise is also a great way to soothe anxiety and depression.

Lucinda concluded: “Despite experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety, I have never ever been diagnosed with depression or taken any medication - something which I attribute to getting outdoors with BMF and laughing with friends. I now run three times a week and am embarking on the London Marathon for the first time for our charity called The Fred Foundation as well – a charity inspired by my son. BMF have been instrumental in helping me with this and even organised a charity run on Wandsworth Common for The Fred Foundation – I think that says a lot about how amazing all the instructors are."

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