Recent research identified that there are many more people in the population with Alport Syndrome than was first thought. The Gears, Farrows and Walkers are raising funds, in Mike's memory, to help diagnose and support people who do not yet know they have Alport Syndrome. With a greater understanding about Alport Syndrome, doctors are now typically diagnosing young children (from as early as 1-3 years old) or young adults. The initial diagnosis can be tough for individuals and their families and impacts their mental health.

Alport Syndrome was hugely important to Mike Gear as his wife Sal was diagnosed with it, in her 20s in the late 1960s, after her hearing declined and kidneys failed. Mike was so positive in supporting Sal through over 30 years of dialysis and two kidney transplants. Alport Syndrome also impacts many other members of the family. Inspired by Mike's grandsons’ wish to meet others with Alport’s, the family helped found Alport U.K. in 2013 when there were no treatments, minimal research, no support and very little understood about Alport Syndrome. 10 years on, thanks to the efforts of Alport UK collaborating with the international scientific community, research is flourishing. There are now over 25 centres around the world doing research and clinical trials plus an Alport Research Hub at Manchester University linking with researchers at University College London and Edinburgh University doing vital leading-edge research on potential new treatments and gene therapy. The Alport Research Hub is funded with £2.5m provided by a family living with Alport Syndrome.

Alport UK is now raising funds to support newly diagnosed individuals and families. There are many, particularly children and young adults, who when first diagnosed find the diagnosis very isolating. Alport UK run groups and activities to support and connect families and young adults at this critical time. Mike's daughter and grandsons volunteer for Alport UK running workshops online and in person to connect people and help them feel part of the global community and that there is a brighter future for people living with Alport Syndrome.

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