My story

As you get older things happen that can make you more appreciative of how lucky you are, and every now and again certain specific events make you look at life and health in particular. Recently, I have had two such events with friends, both significant and life changing, and I have the opportunity of trying to help one of them.

This is Holly, the daughter of my friends.

Holly is now two and a half, and until recently they thought she was just a little slow in developing in certain areas. And then she was diagnosed with Rett’s Syndrome, a condition I had never heard of and I’ll guess you hadn’t either. Please look it up ….. http://www.reverserett.org.uk/

“Rett’s Syndrome............ Imagine the symptoms of autism, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's, epilepsy, and anxiety disorders…all in one little girl”

Can you imagine that?

Retts is a severe neurological disorder affecting girls. Although rare, it is the most common genetic cause of severe disability within females and causes sufferers to be entirely dependent each and every day. She will need 24-hour care for the rest of her life and will be unable to walk, talk or even use her hands. What she always will do is laugh and smile and give love…..in order to make her life as comfortable as possible though she will need specialist equipment like wheelchairs and beds and also expert medical attention and therapies.

Devastating.

But once you get over that, there are things that can be done to support Holly and her family. They are raising funds culminating in an evening event at the end of September and I’m challenging myself to raise £1,000 by cycling 110 miles in a day from Hampshire to Holly’s home in Gloucestershire. The most I have cycled in one day is 70 miles so this will be a challenge for me, but I’m willing to do more over two days if people want to suggest a target with an accompanying increased donation.

I’m sending this to everyone I know, some better than others, asking for a few pounds to help Holly. It’s not about the size of donation; if everyone who receives this gives a small amount I will hit my target (probably what you have down the back of your sofa or lying around in your car). If you can give more, then Holly and her family will benefit.

My fundraising page is http://www.justgiving.com/Phil-Ratcliffe

If you make a donation on behalf of Holly, thank you. She can’t say that, she has Retts.

Thanks for reading.

My gallery 1

My Teams

My company

My charity

Rett Syndrome Research Trust UK

Rett Syndrome Research Trust UK

Charity Registration No. 1136809

Rett Syndrome Research Trust UK has one goal: to accelerate treatments and a cure for Rett Syndrome and related MECP2 Disorders. Rett Syndrome has already been reversed in the lab. With your help, we can build a brighter future for our children.

Donations 101

Glad to be able to help. Good Luck. JMF Financial Services Ltd, Southampton.

Donation by Joe Freire on 18/10/11

£100.00

+ £25.00 Gift Aid

Donation by steven Rowley on 04/10/11

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

Good on ya Ratty ... talk soon.

Donation by Graham Trott on 02/10/11

£50.00

Well done Phil, glad I could be a part of doing something Special for Holly. Enjoyed that outing - whats next?

Donation by Paul Billingham on 30/09/11

£160.00

+ £40.00 Gift Aid

Great stuff, Billi and Phil, we knew you would make it !

Donation by Janice Copsey on 28/09/11

Phil, Fantastic cause,good luck ! Jeff,Brian and rest of the team at Apple.

Donation by Jeff Lewis on 26/09/11

£200.00

The Beagleys are very impressed.

Donation by Fenella Boxall on 26/09/11

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

Great to hear from you again Phil, but not in such sad circumstance. I admire what you're doing. Love to Holly.

Donation by Richard Dyson on 23/09/11

£25.00

+ £6.25 Gift Aid

Good luck Phil - hugs and kisses for Holly...

Donation by Phillip Hawksworth on 22/09/11

£25.00

+ £6.25 Gift Aid

I don't think the golf stance will be up to much after this - more like John Wayne

Donation by Brendan Collins on 22/09/11

£25.00

+ £6.25 Gift Aid

Well done Phil...truly a great cause.

Donation by Colin King on 22/09/11

Well done Phil - such a worthy cause for a special little girl x

Donation by Alison Mackay on 22/09/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

Best wishes, Phil...certainly a worthy cause.

Donation by Ken Manke on 21/09/11

£25.00

Best Wishes Phil. Hope the Facilities you use are up to standard!

Donation by Mike Wells on 21/09/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

all the best

Donation by Chris Kane on 21/09/11

Donation by graham kelly on 21/09/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

beer.png

It's a fantastic cause Phil - and a great thing to do. And there's nothing wrong with padded shorts - wear them all the time myself !!

Donation by Greg Sinden on 21/09/11

Great cause Phil hope you do not get saddle sore!

Donation by Ann Reed on 21/09/11

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

Good luck Phil - a truly great cause. Remember the padded shorts!!!

Donation by Phil Maidment on 21/09/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

Good luck on Saturday!

Donation by Richard Downard on 21/09/11

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

Donation by Anonymous on 20/09/11

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

Good luck Phil

Donation by Paul Garlicki on 16/09/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

windmill.png

Good luck from the Goldings x

Donation by Loraine Golding on 12/09/11

£25.00

+ £6.25 Gift Aid

Phil ... Will you ever walk the same again after? Best of luck old chap. Andy

Donation by Andy Christmas on 09/09/11

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

Good luck Phil!

Donation by Julian Cadman on 08/09/11

Donation summary

  • * Online donations£3,360.00
  • Offline donations£0.00
  • Text donations£0.00
  • Total raised£3,360.00
  • Gift Aid£556.25

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