Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page! I am planning to do the Bupa Great North Run 2010 to raise money and awareness for perthes disease. In November 2008 my little brother Peter started having pains in his right leg. At first my mum thought it was growing pains but after a few weeks realised it was more serious than first thought so took him to North Tees General hospital. After a number of blood tests, x-rays and bone scans, it was here that Peter was diagnosed with Perthes Disease in his right leg. It was a shock for the whole family, and none of us had really heard of the condition. After a few months of 'benign neglect' and physiotherapy my mum decided to change hospitals as she was not happy with his treatment. It was at James Cook hospital that we were told Peter had to have surgery as his leg had deteriorated rapidly within those few months. So one month later Peter was taken in for a femoral osteotomy. This procedure involved making two incisions in the femur and repositioning the leg so that the ball is in a better position within the socket. If and when the blood supply does regenerate, the ball will grow back in a much more rounded shape and movement won't be as restricted. Since the operation Peter has been in a wheelchair though he is starting to use his crutches more and more. His right leg is currently 3cm shorter than his left causing him much discomfort and a limp. He has been given a built up shoe and is undergoing regular physiotherapy which is helping him alot.

This disease is quite rare, with one in 20,000 suffering from it. Therefore not many people have heard of Perthes and for many, the signs are spotted too late. The earlier the child is diagnosed the quicker treatment can begin and the better the prognosis, which is why i want to raise awareness about this cruel disease many children, adults and families have to deal with.