For those who haven't had the pleasure… meet Eddie!

On Monday, 5th May, Eddie, Blaine, and I will be running the Milton Keynes Half Marathon to raise funds for the amazing Camphill Milton Keynes.

Since moving to MK, I’ve had the joy of running many kilometres with Eddie. He has a superpower called Fragile X, which means he talks non-stop, is obsessed with football, parkrun, and squash, and has contagious positivity to everyone around him.

In short, Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition caused by a change in a specific gene on the X chromosome. It can lead to developmental delays, learning challenges, and difficulties with motor skills—but that doesn’t stop Eddie!

Eddie is a very proud member of the Camphill Community where he develops his skills through meaningful work opportunities and socialises with the other residents and members of staff.

Camphill Milton Keynes is a thriving community that supports adults with learning disabilities and autism through residential care and creative activities. At its heart are social enterprises - such as arts, crafts, gardening, and refurbishment projects - that empower residents, promote independence, and enrich the wider community.

Eddie has the absolute joy of working in Camphill’s Theatre Team, running safety checks and preparing the stage and seating for performances. He also works with Camphill's Tools for Self Reliance, refurbishing old tools to be donated to people in need in countries such as Ghana and Uganda.

For Eddie and many others, Camphill provides a safe space to be completely themselves and thrive. The staff I’ve met in the Theatre, Café, Tools for Self Reliance, and Gardening teams are truly selfless and inspirational.

Any donation, big or small, will help continue the incredible work of this charity and support even more people. Right now, Camphill is also raising funds for a major expansion to their estate - building more accessible housing to meet the physical and psychological needs of aging residents and increase their capacity so that they can support even more people.

Please give what you can to support this incredible local community!