Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On November 21st I will be running/swimming a 10km aquatic obstacle course through Wembley taking in over 75 obstacles. I hope to raise money for Corpal, a charity close to my family’s heart. Corpal supports children with a rare neurological condition in which the Corpus Callosum, the superhighway which connects the two hemispheres of the brain, fails to develop. Effects of the condition are variable and can range from developmental delay to severe physical disabilities.

As you may know when Lisa and I were expecting Minnie we were informed that her Corpus Callosum (which typically develops during weeks 12-20 of gestation) was missing (a condition known as ACC) and that it would never form.  There is no treatment or medical procedure to correct this disorder.

Wanting to gain insight into what it would be like dealing with a potentially severely disabled child we reached out to Corpal and some of its members. By luck Corpal were having their Annual General Meeting the week after our diagnosis.  It was here we met a range of families, with children dealing with ACC across the spectrum. Some children we met would never walk, would never talk and would require constant care throughout their entire adult lives.

Our decision to research and investigate as much as we did led us to a better appreciation of how truly impacting a child of special needs can be on a family, and the workload and commitment that is required to support a child with ACC. What really inspired us was seeing the way in which the parents of these children faced their ongoing challenges, with pride, dignity and drive. The love they gave, and the love in whatever form was returned, was a privilege to experience. We believed that if we could bring our daughter into the world and show half their love and determination when facing potential challenges then we would be bringing up a very special girl who would love in her own way and be loved in return – just as she and every child deserves to be.   

Whilst there is no cure for ACC, the condition can benefit from a range of developmental therapies and educational support services. We know that by raising money for Corpal we will be helping to provide families with the emotional support and understanding that we received during Lisa’s pregnancy. Last year myself and Team Aurum raised over £10,000 for Corpal. A huge sum which has been so well received. It has allowed the charity to produce a book designed to help friends, siblings, teachers, and fellow school children to understand the behavioural differences that exist in children with ACC. The money raised also helped allow for a part time admin assistant to be hired who has been a great help in supporting parents and the charity committee. Any sponsorship you are able to provide is going to be put to great and effective use.

We thank you in advance for your generosity towards this very worthy charity,

Bryn, Lisa and Minnie