<p>Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.</p> <p>I have entered the Isle of Wight Bike Ride as part of a team of friends to raise money to help the families with children who have <strong>Angelman Syndrome.</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span>Close and dear friends of ours Martin &amp; Marie Carty have a 7 year daughter Niamh, who was diagnosed with the syndrome at the age of one. Niamh is not yet able to walk or talk and suffers with epilepsy. Marie &amp; Martin have been supported throughout by ASSERT, the Angelman Syndrome Foundation.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span>ASSERT is a registered charity run by volunteers supporting those affected by the condition and rely solely on donations and sponsored fund raising activities like this one. Not only does ASSERT support families affected by AS, they actively take part in medical research.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;"><span>Angelman syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects approximately 1 in 20,000 people and is associated with both a physical and cognitive disability. As Angelman syndrome is so rare, this can make it difficult for families and professionals to get information about the syndrome.&nbsp;The Angelman Syndrome Support Education and Research Trust (ASSERT) provide information and support to individuals and families living with Angelman Syndrome. In addition, ASSERT arranges and funds a national conference for families every two years. Please visit </span><span style="color: #0070c0;"><span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: #0070c0;">www.angelmanuk.org </span></span></span></span><span><span>&nbsp;</span>for more information.&nbsp; Your donation can make a significant difference to these kids and their families as ASSERT does not benefit from the larger profile and visibility that some of the other more well know charities have.<br /></span></p> <p>So please dig deep and donate now.</p> <p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving &ndash; they&rsquo;ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they&rsquo;ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it&rsquo;s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>