Hello! and thank you for visiting our fundraising page! As you may already know our names are Laurie Powis, Jane Appleby and Caroline Richards and we are all part of the Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders at The University Of Birmingham , in the First year of our research PhD's. Our research focuses on the problems experienced by people who have severe intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder and genetic syndromes associated with developmental delay.

In attempt to justify eating far too many Cookies and Pick & Mix while we work, we all came to the decision  that each year we would do a charity run. The reason for such is twofold. Firstly, running negates cookie calories (!!!)... and thus we don't feel too guilty about our over  indulgence. Secondly, and more importantly, it gives us a chance to raise money for important charities.

We have been lucky enough to have recruited three additional members to our running team. Laurie's friends Kathryn Rooke & Andrew Walls, and Caroline's friend Eileen Shipton have been wonderful enough to join us in our run in hope of increasing sponsorship.

This year we have decided to run for The Cri Du Chat Syndrome Support Group. Cri Du Chat (CdCs) is a rare chromosome disorder affecting approx 1 in 50,000 live births. The syndrome is caused from a deletion on the short arm of chromosome 5 and results in a number of physical, cognitive and behavioural difficulties. The CdCs support group not only offers help and support to individuals and families living with CdCs but also actively promotes research in this area.

Please dig deep and sponsor us online. Even a small contribution will make a difference for those with CdCs... and... if this isn't enough...it will also make us think you are a very nice person (..which is always nice isn't it?)

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Cri Du Chat Syndrome Support Group will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor us NOW!!

Thanks Squillions! Laurie, Jane, Caroline, Kathryn, Eileen and Andrew  X X X X