On the 1st May 2017, myself and a few others have decided to run the Milton Keynes Half Marathon (13miles). I’m first to stick my hand up for anything if it’s for charity and wanted to pick a charity that was a bit different and not heard of. My friends Scott and Emma Garlick gave birth to their beautiful little boy Jack on the 1st October this year and little jack was born with CMV.
CMV, (Cytomegalovirus) is a common virus that can infect people of all ages. Once CMV is in a person’s body, it stays there for life. Around 13% of babies born with congenital CMV will have symptoms at birth. A similar number of babies who don't have symptoms at birth will develop problems at a later stage. Symptoms of congenital CMV at birth can include jaundice, pneumonia, a rash consisting of small, purplish spots, an enlarged liver and spleen, low birth weight and seizures. Some of these symptoms can be treated, but some babies will develop long-term conditions as a result of the infection. A small proportion of babies with congenital CMV (including those with no symptoms at birth) will develop one or more physical or mental problems at a later stage. These can include hearing loss, visual impairment or blindness, learning difficulties, dyspraxia and epilepsy. CMV infection is responsible for around 25% of cases of hearing loss during childhood. Hearing loss caused by congenital CMV may develop during the first few years of life. This usually gets worse over time but, it can also be permanent and range from mild to total. The hearing problems can affect either one or both ears. Children with hearing loss in both ears are also likely to experience difficulties with speech and communication as they get older. I want to help raise awareness for CMV because I for one had never heard of it! Anyone who knows me, will know I am defiantly not a runner but saw it as a challenge that I will conquer!