I have decided to run the Rome half marathon this March with the aim of doing it under 1 hour 30 minutes. This will be the first half marathon I have ran. I will be running in support of the charity, Changing Faces. The reason I have picked this charity is because it supports people who have a disfigurement like my brother Craig. They help him and others to build confidence to live their life on their terms whilst also challenging prejudices.

My brother was born with a rare genetic condition called Apert syndrome, characterised by the premature fusion of certain skull bones. This early fusion prevents the skull from growing normally and affects the shape of the head and face, additionally the fingers and toes are fused together.

Craig is very lucky because despite his physical appearance he is a very happy, outgoing and confident person however, recently he has been feeling quite down. We all have days where we might be feeling self conscious about our appearance but this is something Craig has to deal with on a regular basis. He is often stared at in public which can affect his confidence to carry out day to day activities. Recently Craig received online abuse from people he did not know and very much felt he was a target, imagine this was you. An article was written about Craig's experience below:

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/apert-syndrome-genetic-condition-meme-man-craig-byrne-malformation-explains-speak-out-a7513031.html

Changing Faces helped Craig immediately during this time and is still continuing to support him which is something my family and myself are very grateful for. For this reason and inspired by my brothers daily courage and strength I have decided to help give back by running the half marathon in the hope of rasing money for this great charity.