A 33-year-old mum from Leighton Buzzard is taking part in the London Marathon after struggling with autism, mental health and weight issues.

Bronte Knight, who is raising money for the National Autistic Society, wants her story to inspire others who have faced similar challenges in life.

She says her marathon journey is about so much more than running 26.2 miles. It’s about showing just how much life can change when you believe in yourself and give yourself a chance.

“I’ve never been the sporty or particularly active person. Growing up, I was the overweight class clown always making people laugh, but never really feeling confident in myself,” she said.

Bronte went straight back to bootcamp after having her baby daughter who's now three, sometimes managing two or three sessions in a day when I could.

placeholder image — Bronte went straight back to bootcamp after having her baby daughter who's now three, sometimes managing two or three sessions in a day when I could.

“By my mid-20s, my weight had reached around 22 to 23 stone. I was in an unhappy relationship, working in a job I didn’t enjoy, and food had become my comfort. I remember struggling to walk up the stairs without becoming completely out of breath. Sometimes I would have to stop halfway.

“But I decided to make a change."

After moving to Leighton Buzzard, Bronte discovered a bootcamp and completely fell in love with exercise. “I went almost every day, great class and people. The classes became the best part of my day.

“Through changing my lifestyle and discovering a genuine love for fitness, I have completely transformed my life. I went from struggling to walk up the stairs to lifting weights, running, completing a 10K and half marathon, and now taking on the incredible challenge of the London Marathon."

Bronte Knight weighed up to 23 stones before starting her exercise regime

“Fitness has given me so much more than physical changes. It has given me confidence, strength, discipline and a belief that I really can do things I once thought were impossible.

Bronte explained she is running for the National Autistic Society, a cause close to her heart, after being diagnosed autism in June 2026.

She added: “I want to use this opportunity to raise awareness, support autistic people and their families, and help contribute towards a more inclusive future.

“My fundraising target is £2,500, and I’m hoping to bring my local community along with me for the journey - whether that’s through donations, fundraising events, local businesses supporting me, or simply following my training and cheering me on.”

After getting married Bronte joined Anytime Fitness in Leighton Buzzard and discovered weight training

Bronte, who lives in Clipstone, says she hopes to inspire someone else who might currently be where she once was, thinking that change is impossible.

Though she works full time for a bathroom company based in Milton Keynes she also works part-time at Anytime Fitness in Leighton buzzard.

“If I can go from being a size 22 and struggling with the stairs to training for the London Marathon 2027, I truly believe that we can all do hard things.

“This marathon is going to challenge me physically and mentally, but it also represents everything fitness has given me and everything I now believe I’m capable of.”