Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My name is Pukie. I am 8 inches high, have yellow hair and no mouth. I run marathons and ultras while trying to raise funds for http://www.nspku.org

I have already ran 2 x 50 mile ultras, 1 x 100 mile ultra & 4 marathons.  Along the way i have ridden a horse, had a snake strangle me, buried in snow and attacked by 2 Alsations.  Its been fun. I fully intend to carry on and raise as much funds as i can for this great cause. NSPKU is a self funded charity and relies on your generous donations. 

What is PKU

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare inherited condition in which there is a build up of phenylalanine in the body. Phenylalanine is a natural substance; it is a building block of protein. PKU is looked for in all newborns in the United Kingdom by measuring phenylalanine levels in the heel-prick blood test. All babies should have this test as it allows treatment to start early in life.

PKU is a treatable condition. Phenylalanine is found in the protein part of the food we eat. The treatment is a low protein diet. This means that high protein foods such as meat, cheese, poultry, eggs and milk are not permitted. Instead the diet is supplemented with artificial protein which contains no phenylalanine. This diet is very effective at lowering levels of phenylalanine and allows normal growth and development of the child.

The Child with PKU - this gives an excellent introduction to phenylketonuria. Although aimed at the parents of newly diagnosed children with PKU, it describes the condition, it's diagnosis and treatment, and gives an overview of the genetic implications of PKU. As such it is a useful reference source for students.

Food lists of Phenylalanine Exchanges - one of the prime services that the NSPKU provides to PKU clinics across the UK is the production and maintenance of lists giving the weight of food that contains 50mg of phenylalanine (equivalent of one "exchange"). The lists are regularly updated and are routinely used by the vast majority of PKU people in the UK and their families.