In August 2014, our friends Catherine and Jonathan welcomed their second baby boy into the world. William was diagnosed with Prader Willi Syndrome at birth. Prader-Willi syndrome (often called PWS) is a complex medical condition that affects both males and females throughout their lives. People with PWS may need extra support with health and development and in the areas of education and work.
Anyone who knows William knows what a little superstar he is. He continues to take each day in his stride and nothing seems to faze him. Despite only learning to walk independently between the age of 2-3yrs and still requiring occasional assistance when he gets tired, Wills has recently started to play football, following in the footsteps of his big brother James. With a year in nursery school under his belt, he is now looking forward to starting full time school in September.
My husband and I have always supported any fundraising efforts lead by Catherine and Jonathan, but we wanted to in some small way to contribute directly. As such, in a bid to raise much needed funds for research, we completed the Tough Mudder half in 2017. We raised over £1000 in generous sponsorship from family, friends and colleagues.
Spurred on by the money we had raised, we were prepared to challenge ourselves further if it meant we could once again raise much needed funds for research into PWS. Within days of completing the half, we just knew that we had to register to take part in the full Tough Mudder taking place on 8th September 2018. 10 miles running, over 20 obstacles to tackle, 500,000 litres of mud and 40 tons of ice….and if all that isn’t enough, we get the pleasure of electroshock therapy!
Once again, we will be challenging ourselves physically and mentally but we are determined to succeed knowing that in some small way we are contributing to a brighter future for William and his family and all the other people who are affected by PWS.
Living with PWS will bring many challenges for Wills and his family, but I have no doubt that they will continue to take these in their stride and give PWS a run for its money. What I do know is that he is a happy, smiley little boy and is an absolute joy to be around. He will not let PWS define him and that determination is clear to see #WillPower!!!
Please sponsor us to support much needed research into this syndrome!
Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving they never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they will send your money directly to the charity. It’s the most efficient way to donate, saving time and cutting costs for the charity.