Many of you are probably wondering why the hell I'm running a marathon for my chosen charity CLIMB (Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases).
Here's the reason:
My daughter was born at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto in Canada. As per routine, a newborn screen test was conducted (heel prick blood test) which checks for 27 rare disorders of which some are identified as inherited metabolic disorders.
My daughter's test came back showing high levels of C5OH (indicative of a metabolic disorder such as 3MCC).
Such disorders can leave your child extremely ill at best. I was told that my little baby girl may be unable to digest proteins which could eventually leave her with serious mental health problems.
God willing, my daughter's follow up blood test came back negative for the disorder.
My gorgeous Amarlene is now nearly three and is a healthy little bundle of joy. She is my everything.
However, I still do not forget sitting there at the children''s hospital and feeling completely helpless. I saw a lot of other children, some seriously ill. It was then that I decided that no matter what happens, when ever I did anything for charity it would be for children's health and well being.
I didn't know CLIMB existed until I started some research. They don't get the same exposure as the larger charitable institutions and yet there work is no less. They provide invaluable advice, information and a forum for all those parents whose children are diagnosed with inherited metabolic disorders.
Most definitely a light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
So...there you have my reasons for choosing to run for my chosen charity.
Now.....please dig deep into the vaults of your bank accounts and help me raise as much money as possible for this worthy charity.
Better still, do what I intend to and commit to setting aside a small donation each month through JustGiving until the Marathon in April 2010. You know our bank managers' won't even bat an eyelid but.....CLIMB will definitely appreciate our every pound.
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.
