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'The Dyspraxia Foundation' they define dyspraxia as 'an impairment or immaturity of the organisation of movement' and, in many individuals, there may be associated problems with language, perception and thought. The term normally used is Developmental Dyspraxia or Developmental Co-ordination Disorder. The condition is thought to affect up to 10 percent of the population in varying degrees. It is probable that there is at least one dyspraxic child in every classroom requiring access to a specific treatment programme. In my son Jamies class, it is him.

Although dyspraxia may be diagnosed at any stage of life, increasing numbers of children are identified as having the condition. Jamie was diagnosed at the age of 4, so we were lucky, we have had help and support throughout his early years.

Early recognition of dyspraxia will enable early intervention and practical steps to help a child to achieve their potential. Children whose dyspraxia is identified at an early stage are less likely to have problems with acceptance by their peers and with lowered self-esteem.

When children become teenagers their problems may change as social and organisational difficulties become more pressing. This is the step we are about to hit with Jamie.

The Dyspraxia Foundation can help and support children like Jamie through its services and publications.

This help is vital to the child themselves, but also to the whole family, it can be very stressful being the main carer to a child with dyspraxia. My way of combatting this stress, is exercise. This is why I recently swam a mile in open water at 'The Great London Swim' and will also be doing 'The Great Salford Swim' this year, and running in 'The Great North Run' so if you can sponsor me for doing this, lots of children like Jamie will benefit from future research.

Jamie is still learning to swim, and I know his determination will pay off, he has just in the last few weeks learned to ride a bike, although he still struggles setting off and getting up hills, the things we take for granted that we can do, and that our children will achieve, children with dyspraxia find really tough. So I also do these things 'because I can' and that is usually my answer when someone asks me 'why are you doing that?'

I managed the Great London Swim in 55 minutes! A bit slow, but I'm sure I will do better at Salford!

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