On Wednesday 18th September, in aid of "Jeans for Genes"(Genetic Disorders UK), I will be departing from Crystal Palace in London to cycle to Paris along with 65 others.  This will involve approximately 500km of cycling over 4 days.

I became inspired to do the challenge for this charity when I read so much about how many many local businesses were taking part in fund raising for this via their staff. No longer having the luxury of a workplace, I decided that I would do something myself to help.

Genetic disorders are very much in our thoughts locally and the daughter of my good friends Liam and Ashley Wilkie have an amazing daughter, Caitlin who suffers from the very rare genetic condition - Bardet Biedl Syndrome. There are several other children within our community who have other very disabling syndromes. 

I am well aware that many of you have already been very generous in sponsoring me for previous charity events but, another year has passed and hopefully you will be able to dig deep again to help support this incredibly worthwhile charity. I know how supportive you can all be and I promise to put in 110% effort to complete this challenge. I have covered all the costs of this trip myself and everything you donate will go to the charity. Thank you so much for reading this.

 Jeans for Genes Day is the annual fundraising campaign for Genetic Disorders UK, the national charity that supports children affected by a genetic disorder. The monies raised on Jeans for Genes Day provide grants for day-to-day support, equipment, respite and events which bring together affected children and their families.

There are between 4,000 and 6,000 diagnosed genetic disorders. It is estimated that one in 25 children is affected by a genetic disorder and therefore 30,000 babies and children are newly diagnosed in the UK each year. Some genetic disorders are apparent at birth while others are diagnosed at different stages throughout childhood, and sometimes into adulthood. Find out more: https://www.jeansforgenesday.org/our-work.

We help disorder-specific charities and patient groups to deliver inspiring projects and support services for children affected by a genetic disorder in the UK. Find out more: https://www.jeansforgenesday.org/who-we-are