Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. This page is the location to allow you to make contributions to my London Marathon 2011 run on behalf of the XLP Research Trust. I have a blog with a lot more personal information and my motivation for undertaking this effort here. Below you can find some information about XLP. A disease that afflicts children in their prime. Together we can start to fight back!

X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP), which is also known as Duncan’s syndrome, is a rare always fatal disease that affects only boys. To date only about 100 families and 400+ boys have been diagnosed worldwide. It is likely, however, that there are many more cases where the correct diagnosis has not been made.

XLP can have many symptoms including: severe glandular fever, cancer of the blood (lymphoma) and inability to fight off infections and sometimes severe anaemia. 70% of individuals with XLP die by the age of 10 years without any treatment. The cause of the condition was only found in 1998 so there is still a lot to learn.

The best ‘prevention’ is regular top ups of anti-viral medicines, immunoglobulin therapy or steroids – but these are not a cure. Today the only possible cure is a bone marrow transplant – in effect replacing the faulty immune system.

Founded in 2005, the XLP Research Trust exists to:

1. Promote and fund research into the cause, management, symptoms and cure for XLP

2. Provide a point of contact and support for those families affected by XLP

3. Raise the awareness of XLP amongst the medical profession and the general public

Donating to the XLP Research Trust through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more for the XLP Research Trust, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now. Childrens lives might depend on it!