Rett Syndrome mainly affects females and can vary greatly in severity.

For Caylin, having Rett Syndrome means she never learned to sit up by herself, stand without support, crawl, walk, talk or play with toys that her peers were playing with. At just 6 months old Caylin's development slowed down and the only skills she managed to learn was to feed herself using her hands and to sit unsupported when she was 1 year old - although she couldn't get herself into sitting position.

As if being locked in a body that won't do what you want it to do isn't bad enough over the years Caylin has had various symptoms that can come with Rett Syndrome thrown at her. These are:

Reflux

Feeding Tube inserted for liquids & medication

Epilepsy

Scoliosis

Dystonia

Overnight oxygen therapy

Constipation

Increase in stiffness in her muscles

Digestive problems

Breathing irregularities (extended breath holding & hyper ventilating)

Decreased bone density

Sleep problems

If your loved one had to go through all this wouldn't you want to do everything you could to help fund vital research into treatments to alleviate symptoms and ultimately a cure?

While Alex will no doubt find this 10km run a challenge he is young and fit. I on the other hand am neither! I have only ever done one 5km run (and I use that term very loosely as it was more a very fast walk for most part). Please support us both (especially Alex who will no doubt have to carry me!) and help us to help Caylin & all others with Rett Syndrome.

Thank you <3