On 9th July 2025, I will be abseiling down the iconic Lloyd’s building in London to raise funds for Action for BPAN—the UK’s first charity dedicated to supporting families affected by Beta-propeller Protein-Associated Neurodegeneration (BPAN) and funding research into treatments and a cure.

This cause is very close to home. My sweet friend Louise van der Valk's beautiful daughter, Scarlett, was diagnosed with BPAN in January 2023. It’s a rare and devastating neurological condition caused by a mutation in the WDR45 gene. BPAN is progressive and life-limiting, and children like Scarlett may face seizures, developmental delays, and, in time, symptoms similar to Parkinson’s and dementia. There is currently no cure.

Despite the uncertainty, they are determined to give Scarlett the richest, fullest life possible. She is happy, cheeky, and full of light—and we will never stop fighting for her future.

Thanks to the generosity of others, over £100,000 has already been raised to support pioneering gene therapy research at Great Ormond Street Hospital. But there’s still a long way to go. Every pound raised from this abseil will help accelerate that research and offer hope to Scarlett and other children like her.

This isn’t just a descent down a building. Every metre we lower ourselves is for Scarlett—and for every child living with BPAN.

If you’re able to, please consider donating, sharing their story, or even joining the challenge. Your support means a great deal to us—and to Scarlett.

Thank you.