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I am running the 2015 London Marathon to raise money for Genetic Disorders UK (Jeans for Genes).

In August 2011 we found out that our son has Chromosome 1q21.1 Duplication Syndrome. He has a lot of autistic traits, learning difficulties, behavioural problems, short term memory problems, struggles to express and cope with his emotions, and has a food phobia. That phobia means that he only eats a handful of foods ...... we can't sit down and share a meal with him.

We had known from a young age that something wasn't quite right, but it took us almost 4 years to receive a diagnosis for him. But even then we really weren't expecting the diagnosis that we received. It came as a massive shock to us. We had no idea what it all meant, what the implications of it were and where we could go for help and support.  

Genetic Disorders UK want to change that. Their mission is to be the leading source of information and support for families affected by genetic disorders, and also for the charities and patient groups that support those families, by bringing together everyone's combined experience in a place it can be shared. 

Genetic Disorders UK are also responsible for organising the annual Jeans for Genes fundraising day.  The funds raised for this amazing charity are used to launch much needed support services and also used in a grant programme for disorder-specific charities, to fund projects and support services. 

Charities like this are so important for families like mine. Families that need somewhere to turn, and someone to talk to who understands exactly what we are going through.

*Update*

My Marathon journey was made even more complicated when I had an accident in June last year and broke my ankle in 2 places.  It required immediate surgery to reset the bones and to insert a metal plate and pins. I was in plaster cast for 6 weeks after the surgery.  2 weeks after having the cast removed I suffered even more complications and was rushed to hospital with a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism, caused by the rehabilitation of my ankle dislodging a clot from the surgery wound.

Despite all of this I am still determined to complete the Marathon and to raise as much money for Genetic Disorders UK as possible.

Please sponsor me if you can.  Thank You!

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