Thank you for making it this far. Please dig deep and sponsor myself and Martin online.
This is a photo of my beautiful Niece, Georgia, and below a video, who back in September was diagnosed with the medical condition, Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1, and, tragically, was given just 2 - 5 months to live.
After a very brave fight against this terrible condition, Georgia died on Sunday January 6th 2008, the night before her father's birthday, aged just 8 months.
SMA Type 1 is a genetic disorder currently affecting around 100 babies a year. Most people have never heard of it, but it is the number one genetic killer of infants and toddlers.
I am planning to walk 52 miles over 3 days, together with Martin and several of Emma (my sister) and Nick's friends, to raise money and awareness for the Jennifer Trust. We plan to walk along the River Thames and the Kennet Canal finishing at Emma, Nick and Georgia's house near Newbury on the 9th of February 2008. Gav Thompson and Matt Whitticase are walking as Fat Men Walking, as indeed they are, and also Amy Tattersall. Please give generously, as it would mean so much to Emma and Nick. If any one fancies joining us, please do, the more the merrier as they say. In September I am planning on completeing a personal challenge by taking Georgia's spirit with me on an overseas trek to Peru raising awareness for the Jennifer Trust.
The Jennifer Trust is a charity that was established to help the parents, grandparents, family and friends to cope and deal with the devastation that this condition causes. They are also undertaking research into tackling SMA and finding a cure. We all want to do this walk to raise money for this charity as we have experienced, first hand, their incredible support. Two days after Georgia was diagnosed with SMA, Emma and Nick received 2 crates of toys that are specifically designed for babies with SMA. The toys are on loan for as long as required. The Trust has also given us advice on bereavement counselling in respect of our 3 children, who will find it very difficult to understand and cope with this news. For more information on the Jennifer Trust please go to www.jtsma.org.uk .
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Jennifer Trust for SMA 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. If you are a higher rate taxpayer, 23% of your donation will come back to you in tax relief by putting the donation on your tax return.
For more information about this tragic diagnosis and the Jennifer Trust follow the link opposite.
So please sponsor us now!
Many thanks for your support and those of you with children, please give them a special hug tonight.
Karen and Martin XX
