Eddie Hodgkinson's Just Walk 40km Page

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On the 10th May, I will be walking 40K across the South Downs to help raise money for research into treatments for Rett Syndrome and MECP2 disorders. 

MECP2 is a duplication of DNA on the Xq28 chromosome.  Unlike Rett Syndrome, which affects girls, MECP2 affects boys causing motor development to be severely delayed or impaired, learning difficulties, recurrent respiratory infections, limited or absent speech and reflux problems.

My partner's cousin Jed suffers from MECP2 and has these various problems.  He is now 5 years old and attends a special  school which he loves going to.  Jed has limited mobility but still manages to open any door in front of him, and can walk fast when he wants something despite having a bit of a wobble.  Although he cannot speak he is able to let us know what he wants.  His ability to snatch a piece of toast without you seeing him is an amazing sight to behold!  He has loads of energy, especially at 5 o clock in the morning. He loves to tickle feet, laughs a lot and plays with Molly the dog.  He also loves his food and which lad doesn't!

There have been some recent breakthroughs in research which means that there is now a real chance of finding ways to reverse some of the devastating effects of this disorder.  It would be fantastic if some of Jed's problems were minimised or even reversed, or if children with the disorder in the future were given a chance to have an improved quality of life.

Your money will help this research to continue so that the impossible becomes possible!

Thank you very much.