Fletcher's story

Growing up Fletcher hit all his milestones and was a healthy child.

Fletcher is now 11

Around three years ago Fletcher's teacher worried about Fletcher being hypermobile, we got a doctors confirmation who referred him to physio.

A while later I (Fletcher's mum) noticed that Fletcher was unable to do thing he could before such as running, jumping, climbing etc.

I spoke to Fletcher's physio who referred him to his Doctor who immediately had her suspicions as to what was going on.

During this time more symptoms had appeared or were continuing to appear.

Symptoms we noticed were extreme lethargy, slurred speech, unable to walk distances, big falls where he couldn't catch or stop his self.

Fletcher is unable to walk unaided long distances or has to use a wheelchair.

Even with all this Fletcher is still a happy, funny, game loving, caring and amazing little boy that has a heart of gold. Fletcher has a wicked sense of humour and is always making us laugh or roasting us.

Fletcher and his sister Olivia are the Light of our lives.

The diagnosis of leighs syndrome was a massive shock to the whole family.

And watching it take over parts of his body has been so hard. Fletcher seems to take it all in his stride, Fletcher isn't aware of his diagnosis we have decided that knowing isn't in his best interests right now.

Mitochondrial disease is a devastating disease and it makes you grieve for a life for someone who's still here.

The life you imagined your child living is no longer the one they'll lead.

Lots of families are in the same position as us and Fletcher or they have unfortunately lost someone to Mitochondrial Disease.

Either way we need to fundraise as much as we can to put into research to help find a cure and carry hope in our hearts that everyday we're closer to a cure we're closer to help and treatments.

Thank you for reading our story and please if you can donate or maybe hold your own fundraising event or take on your own challenge to help us help The Lily Foundation.

Love from

Danielle, Harley, Fletcher, Olivia and our family xx