Izzy has an ultra rare disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress (SMARD1) an often fatal devastating degenerative muscle wasting disease that causes respiratory failure in infancy. The condition has been diagnosed in less that 100 children worldwide.

SMARD1 has robbed Izzy of the ability to breathe and sit unaided and therefore requires a ventilator to breathe, a wheelchair for mobility along with 24 hour care. Due to her condition Izzy also has a weakened immune system which means that she is unable to be around many people especially children due to the high risk of infection. Izzy is now nearly 5 years old and amazes and delights us daily with her strength, determination, loving nature and cheeky sometimes naughty sense of humour. Regardless of everything that Izzy has to overcome on a daily basis she never stops smiling and is such a happy mischievous fun loving little girl. Izzy's happiness is infectious and she brings great joy into the lives of all of us that know and love her. Despite the nature of her condition through Izzy's own determination and with the help of additional physical therapy from Bethan at Equinox Physiotherapy, Izzy has shown great improvement especially this year, defying the odds and her condition. Izzy works really hard to improve her physical strength and in doing so, improving her quality of life. Izzy gets so much out of her therapy sessions and is so happy and proud when she is able to accomplish something new.

Team Equinox and friends are planning to run/walk/cycle 5000km during August to celebrate the Mighty Izzy's Milestone 5th Birthday and raise vital funds to help this incredible little human fight her battle against SMARD. Please donate whatever you can to help make Izzy's 5th Birthday her best ever. Heartfelt Thanks from us all xxxx