Why We’re Fundraising

We have chosen to raise money in support of Shine, an incredible charity that provides specialist support to people living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, as well as their families. To raise money for Shine, our team at AcSoft will be aiming to complete a collective 2 million steps throughout September.

This charity is incredibly important to our team as their support has personally helped the son of our Commercial Chief Officer and his family.

Our Commercial Chief Officer’s son was born via a planned C-section. At birth, doctors noticed a lump on his back, along with changes to the skin in the area. At the time, the family had no idea what this meant or what the future might hold. Following an MRI scan, they received the diagnosis of Lipomyelomeningocele, a form of spina bifida where fatty tissue is attached to the spinal cord and can affect the nerves controlling the lower part of the body.

As he grew, they noticed changes in his mobility. His feet started to curl inwards, and over time, movement in his feet became increasingly limited. This was caused by the tethering of the spinal cord, which can prevent the nerves from functioning as they should.

Recently, he underwent a major operation to untether his spinal cord. The hope is that, now the spinal cord has been released, it will be able to move more freely and give his body the opportunity to develop and strengthen the neurological pathways needed to improve movement in his feet.

But this is only the beginning of a much longer journey.

There will be ongoing physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialist support and plenty of hard work ahead. Progress may take time, and there will undoubtedly be challenges along the way. This has not been an easy for his son or the family, this is why we are raising awareness and supporting Shine as their work makes such an importance difference.

For our team, this isn't simply a charity we have chosen to support. It is a cause that has touched the life of someone within our own AcSoft family.

Their support can help families understand their condition, navigate the challenges they face and, most importantly, help people get the best possible quality of life.

We understand how important specialist support, guidance and understanding can be for families facing a diagnosis like this. That's why we're proud to come together as a team and raise money to help this charity continue supporting other families who may be starting a journey of their own.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, can make a difference.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for supporting a cause that means so much to us. ❤️