On March 16th, I’ll be running the Barcelona Marathon with my friend Andy McLean, to raise funds and awareness for CATS (Cure and Action for Tay-Sachs Foundation). This cause is incredibly close to my heart, as my niece, Freya Maclay, was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs in 2023. Any support, no matter how small, is hugely appreciated.

WHO IS FREYA?

Born on August 26, 2022, Freya was a long-awaited blessing for her parents, Simone and Ally. After 3.5 years of IVF, their hearts were filled with joy as they navigated the beautiful chaos of parenthood —dirty nappies, sleepless nights, and countless precious moments. Freya was thriving, hitting milestones and capturing hearts every day.

However, as she approached her first birthday, they began to notice changes. Freya struggled to sit up, didn’t respond to her name, and was falling behind on developmental milestones. After returning from a family trip to Europe, they sought answers from their doctor in Hong Kong.

In August 2023, they received devastating news that Freya had Tay-Sachs disease, a rare genetic disorder affecting just 1 in 360,000 children. The diagnosis turned their world upside down. Tay-Sachs leads to severe neurological decline, with most children living only a few years. Freya is the first case in Hong Kong.

Now, at just 2 years old, Freya experiences frequent seizures and has minimal mobility. Despite this, her family is determined to make every moment count. They are committed to providing her the best life possible, filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments, not forgetting her favourite activity, swimming.

Please join me in supporting Freya, her family, and others facing this heartbreaking disease. Every contribution helps to raise awareness, provide care, and offer hope. Together, we can make a difference.

www.FreyFrey.org