Hi everyone, thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am taking part in the famous Great North Run this year on September 8th in support of the British Porphyria Association. Porphyria's are a rare group of genetic disorders and your donation will directly help people suffering with them and also support improving the understanding of them.

I'm running this for my youngest son Riley. 

Riley suffers from Erythropoietic Protoporphyria or EPP for short.

While most people love a day in the sun, Riley's condition means he has a hyper-sensitivity to light. As a result, any time spent outside for him has to be very carefully considered.

In fact, it's not just sunlight but any strong light. People with EPP have a shortage of a particular enzyme which normally helps to convert elements in their blood by adding iron to it. 

As blood passes through Riley's skin, these elements absorb energy from light which sets off a chemical reaction that damages the surrounding tissue and causes Riley to experience intense burning pain and swelling.

There is no cure and no easy treatment. 

After an attack, the burning sensation can last for days and keep him awake in dreadful pain. No painkillers work and only time out of light will make it subside. 

Suncreams also don't protect him, so while we're all enjoying the beauty of a sunny day, Riley has to cover up...wearing hats, arm guards, gloves and any protection he can find while also seeking shade or using an umbrella. 

Despite this, he gets on with his life with a quiet determination, trying to do all the things that a 'normal' 11 year old wants to do.

However, he's always aware of the dangers of being outside for any real length of time poses for him. Also, because EPP affects iron production in his blood, Riley has to have yearly liver checks as he has a higher chance of developing liver problems.

As his condition is so rare, it means that it's only known by people that are trying to cope with it. 

The charity relies on your generosity to continue to do the great work in helping improve the quality of Riley's and other sufferers lives.