Hi to all our family, friends and others who mean a lot to us one way or another.

As most of you know (my ranting being what it is) our daughter Lily Cariad was diagnosed with dystonia, a neurological condition, aged 24 months. Paroxysmal generalized dystonia if we want to get fancy about it! The cause is not certain but the smart money is on her brush with meningitis aged three months. We've been lucky enough to gain this diagnosis so young as it gave us something to work with. Many are not so fortunate.

During a spasm attack every single muscle from Lily's head to her toes is being twisted and becomes taut, some more obviously than other. During a bad attack she is unable to keep her eyes open whilst during a really bad attack it will take her voice away as the vocal chords are in spasm.  Yesterday I watched her endure an attack while she was trying to hold her new kitten. Emotive stuff of course, confronting yes, however I only wish I were exaggerating! This is just life for Lily, us and her little sister along with many, many others. Young or old, male or female, dystonia doesn't differentiate.

Lily is a happy little girl and part of a happy family, dystonia and all. Her personality is bigger and more beautiful than this condition. However, she may face many physical hurdles and difficulties because of dystonia.

The only way forward is through funding for research and a greater knowledge for treatment. My own goal is to have Lily grow up where awareness for this condition is out there, reduce taboos, ignorance and judgements.

I've always had a strong allergy to exercise, but thanks to my brilliant Mum and Brother: I promise you I will give it my all to earn every penny you donate.

Thank you, and please dig deep, I know I'm going to need to!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’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’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.