We are extraordinarily lucky to have an amazing group of family and friends who have either joined in challenges with us, done challenges of their own, baked cakes, held fundraising events or supported us through sponsorship. This has enabled Team Poppy to raise a humbling amount for the Lily Foundation so far – and for this we are massively grateful.   Here’s a bit about our story and why The Lily Foundation is so important to us...   

Poppy has a Mitochondrial Disease, a genetic disorder which essentially means the ‘batteries’ in her body’s cells aren’t powerful enough to enable her body to function as it would as a ‘normal’ 6 year old.    This disease has no typical symptoms or predictable prognosis and affects different people in different ways. Poppy is impacted by an inability to walk or sit unaided, she suffers from extreme muscle tension in her arms and legs which makes it very difficult to do basic daily activities and she is also very limited in her ability to speak…all due to faulty mitochondria.   As a parent it is heartbreaking to know there is no treatment and no cure to this disease.    We’d love for this not to be the case, so since Poppy’s  diagnosis in 2013, we have undertaken various events and challenges in a bid to raise funds for the Lily Foundation. They are an amazing charity who do great work in supporting affected families and have been a life line for us in times of need, as well as working tirelessly to fund much needed research and drive awareness of Mitochondrial Disease.    Team Poppy would love to raise even more for The Lily Foundation, so if you’re considering a challenge of your own and would like to support this amazing charity, then we’d love you to join Team Poppy, so please get in touch!     Thank you for your support.   James & Kat Kitto