Letterkenny businessman going the distance for autism families – Donegal Daily

Mark Rodgers, a businessman from Letterkenny, is scheduled to undertake a 50km run on May 24, 2026, in an effort to raise €50,000 for autism support services across County Donegal.

The challenge, described by Rodgers as something mad, is designed to coincide with his 50th birthday, which he celebrated on May 11, 2026. The fundraising goal and the distance of the run both reflect this milestone.

The event will begin at 9:00 AM on May 24 from the Letterkenny Community Centre. Participants will travel from the community centre to Derry to complete the 50km distance.

Rodgers is motivated by deep personal ties to the autism spectrum. His daughter, Shayna, is on the spectrum, as are three of his nephews. In an interview with Donegal Daily, Rodgers described his daughter as a very special girl and stated, We wouldn’t change her for the world.

The funds raised through the event are intended to benefit a variety of local organizations and educational institutions dedicated to autism support. These include:

• iCare Donegal
• Bluestack Foundation
• Letterkenny Autism Support
• St Bernadette’s
• Little Angels
• Ballyraine NS

To prepare for the distance, which exceeds the standard 42km marathon, Rodgers began a training regimen that included completing his first-ever marathon approximately three weeks prior to May 15, 2026.

Rodgers will be joined in the challenge by his 19-year-old son, Jamie. Jamie is currently a first-year student studying Construction QS at ATU and is balancing his academic exams with the physical demands of training for the run.

According to Rodgers, Jamie’s decision to participate was immediate, with the student telling his father, If you’re doing it, I am doing it.

Rodgers noted that while the primary objective of the run was to raise funds and awareness for autism services, the experience has also served to bring him and his son closer together.

When you are trying to make an impact and really get a point across, you have to do something mad. Mark Rodgers

Community Support Initiatives

Parallel to this individual fundraising effort, other autism support resources in the region are expanding their reach. The Autism Family Support Group in Letterkenny is currently conducting a registration drive for both new and existing members.

The registration drive is scheduled to run from May 18 to May 29, 2026. The process is open on weekdays, with the exception of Wednesdays.

The group is open to any individual who has a family member with autism living in the Donegal area. The organization describes itself as a welcoming support group created by parents for parents, managed by a committee composed entirely of volunteers who also have children with autism.

The group provides a safe environment for parents to connect, share experiences, attend training sessions, and participate in organized outings for children. Its core mission is to support and educate young people, parents, and carers while spreading autism awareness throughout the local community.

Registration for the group costs €20. Interested parties can register or re-register by visiting Office 2, First Floor, Glencar Shopping Centre, Letterkenny.

The group operates on values of efficiency, transparency, and mutual respect, with a focus on outcomes and needs-led work to ensure young people with autism feel treasured and their caregivers feel supported.

For further information or questions, the Autism Family Support Group can be contacted via email at autismletterkenny@gmail.com or by telephone at 086 105 8086.