Since finding out that Georgia, my beautiful and fun-filled baby niece, has Williams Syndrome, me and my family have been discovering all the unexpected paths that this may take her (and her loved ones) down.  

Williams Syndrome is a randomly occurring genetic condition that affects 1 in 18000 people in the UK. Along with learning difficulties and an excessively sociable and trusting nature, heart conditions are a common feature of Williams Syndrome. In an effort to raise awareness and money for the Williams Syndrome Foundation me and my friends, Hayley and Sara, have been pushing our healthy hearts (much!) harder than usual by training for the 3 Peaks Challenge on July 28th. This involves climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon all within 24hours. It seems fitting that this challenge also involves sleep deprivation, which is something that parents of children with Williams syndrome will be more than familiar with as sleep difficulties are another feature of this condition.

With the minority of people currently knowing about this condition it would be amazing that (if nothing else) this challenge made more people aware of Williams syndrome, therefore reducing the risk of concerned parents worrying or searching for answers alone. With this in mind, I’m also doing this challenge for my amazing sister and brother-in-law, who have been incredibly positive, pro-active and open whilst dealing with the surprises of the past year.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ANY SUPPORT!!