I first met Charlotte when she was ten months old. I had travelled to Australia with a seven week old secret in my belly. A baby.

"What am I going to do?" I asked her mum Caroline, one of my closest friends. "I've never even changed a nappy before?"

Caroline pushed Charlotte into my arms and said, "Get cracking." So little Charlotte was my first ever nappy change. And she was great!

I got the sad news this week that Charlotte has been diagnosed with Retts Syndrome which to date is incurable. This rare, neurological disorder means that she may never walk or talk. She may experience problems breathing and develop scoliosis. She may have seizures, problems eating and lose use of her hands. She will definitely need constant care for the rest of her life. However there is now hope for a cure.

In 2007, results of a landmark study were published showing the reversal of Retts Syndrome in laboratory mice. These findings were a breakthrough in the search for a cure. Part of this study was funded by my chosen charity, the Retts Syndrome Research Trust UK .

I am running to raise money to aid this charity in their endeavours to find a cure for Retts Syndrome. It is on the precipice of being the world's first curable brain disorder.

Please help me in my efforts in whatever way you can. Thank you.

http://www.reverserett.org.uk/