Member's statement: Anita Rydout: Belfast Half Marathon
Member's statement by Mrs Michelle Guy on .
- MLA
- Mrs Michelle Guy
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 22 September 2026
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Anita Rydout: Belfast Half Marathon
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5739092
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Over the weekend, I was contacted about an inspirational young woman taking on the Belfast Half Marathon to raise money for two wonderful causes in Lisburn: Live Life Well-Being Centre and Sensability. Massive congratulations to Anita Rydout for completing the challenge and raising thousands of pounds for her chosen charities in the process. Let me tell you a little about Anita and why her achievement really stands out. Anita has autism and severe global developmental delay. She was assessed and diagnosed by the age of four, and at that time the prognosis for the future was uncertain. A school placement with Parkview Special School, followed by her adult placement at the Live Life Well-Being Centre, both in Lisburn and both wonderful, have helped Anita to thrive. Her journey to the Belfast Half Marathon started as a volunteer at Wallace parkrun, and that led to her taking part herself, with specialist resources and support to help her. She is now a member of Jog Lisburn Running Club. Community, kindness and people believing in Anita have helped her to achieve something really remarkable. Alma from Caleb’s Cause describes Anita as her hero and as an inspiring young woman who refused to be defined by what others thought she could not do. In many ways, Anita embodies what Caleb's Cause is fighting for: ensuring that young people with complex needs have the right support, encouragement and opportunities to realise their potential. When we give people those opportunities, they can surprise us, inspire us and show us how much they are capable of. Congratulations again, Anita. You are genuinely an inspiration.
267 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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