Following on from my 10k run last year I have now completed a half marathon in aid of the Fragile X Society.  Thank you to everyone that has sponsored me.

In this tough economic climate small charities like The Fragile X Society are finding it really hard to raise the funds to carry out their program.

Last year the charity raised £98,100 but incurred costs of £164,913 and had to substantially dip into its reserves to carry on its activities. Anything you can donate, however small, helps to make a real difference in ensuring the charity can continue its activities.

Fragile X is a condition that causes developmental issues for children who suffer from it, and I know as my daughter Lizzi was diagnosed with the condition 2 years ago. 

We have had challenges since Lizzi was born and what would seem to be an easy challenge for most children is so much more difficult for a child with Fragile X. A child with fragile X has complex difficulties with a mixture of all the most difficult behavioural characteristics (autism, dyspraxia, ADHD, learning difficulties). At the same time a child with Fragile X is the most innocent and loving child.

Parents of children with Fragile X have a lot of difficulty in ensuring that their children get the support that they need.

The Fragile X society supports families in overcoming these difficulties, raises awareness of Fragile X amongst the general population and teachers in particular, as well as ensuring that the medical profession devotes sufficient resources to research.  

Please take the time to read the more detailed scientific info below. One of the aims of the Fragile Society is to raise awareness and by reading this you have helped to achieve this - although I don't think I could ever do as much as Lionel Messi did by lifting up his t-shirt after scoring against Real Madrid in May 2009!!

http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/05/02/1242691/what-lionel-messis-t-shirt-at-the-bernabeu-meant 

I really hope you are able to make a donation, however small, to the Fragile X society. It will make a real difference.

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

To find out more please visit the Fragile X website http://www.fragilex.org.uk/default.aspx

Elliot

In addition to the online sponsorship below, £940 has been donated in matched funding for employees of WP's, Mr Irving Carter together with Susie Segal and family have donated £250, Mr Ian Shaw £50, Mr Richard Chan £25, Mr Adam Winton £50, Mr Michael Keidan £30, Arram Berlyn Gardner £100, My Mum £100, Mr Paul Ellerman £150 and Mrs Lisa Jain £100. Thank you all so much.

FRAGILE X SYNDROME
is a genetic syndrome which results in a spectrum (from none to severe) of characteristic physical, intellectual, emotional and behavioural features. And has to do with a failure in the development in the X-chromosome.This disease is passed on genetically and is seen in over 1/2000 males and in 1/259 females.

Fragile X is not widely known about. It is the most common cause of inherited mental impairment. This impairment can range from learning disabilities to more severe cognitive or intellectual disabilities. (Sometimes referred to as mental retardation.)

FXS (fragile x syndrome) is the most common known cause of autism or "autistic-like" behaviors. Symptoms also can include characteristic physical and behavioral features and delays in speech and language development.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Fragile X Society gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.