Caring Matters Now (CMN) is the only dedicated UK charity that provides information & support for those affect by Congenital Melanoctyic Naevi. Congenital melanocytic naevus is a proliferation of benign melanocytes (pigment cells) that are present at birth or develop shortly after birth.

In December of 2017 my beautiful niece Sophie was born with this rare condition, so rare that no doctor in the London hospital where she was born had seen it. It means Sophie has large birthmarks on her face and body. Her case is extensive and she has very little skin that isn't covered. Sophie also have a rare complication of CMN in that she has melanosis (a bit like moles) in her brain. This could mean seizures or development delays but at the moment she has no symptoms and every day she gives us a little bit more hope around a future where she can live happily and healthily.

I am running the London Marathon (with wooden hamstrings) to help contribute to the future efforts of the CMN Charity. As a family we felt terrible sadness & injustice at Sophie's condition at birth but with the support of the charity we are now able to accept her unique arrival into this world. We would now like to help the charity in continuing to provide their incredible support to those affected today or in the future. The charity needs funding to help create a future where everyone with a visible difference on their face or body has the confidence, support and opportunity to lead the lives they want.

While the training is tough and requires great sacrifice --- I am motivated by niece and the opportunity to raise awareness. Little Sophie, our family and the Caring Matters Now charity would appreciate any donations that you can make; so please dig deep! 

Donating 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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.