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I'm running the London Marathon to support this charity because my sister was diagnosed with scoliosis as a child. Her two daughters also have the condition, which causes twists and curves to the spine. Here is Helen's story, in her own words:

My sister, who was studying to become a physiotherapist, was the first person to spot that my spine was curving; I was just seven when she noticed a protrusion on my right shoulder blade. I was referred to The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and treated first with full torso plaster casts, and then a type of corrective bracing, which I wore for 23 hours a day. I was very self-conscious about the casts and brace; they made me look different and they were very uncomfortable, especially at night and in the summer heat. Today, there’s research going into new bracing materials and methods, which will help and support children who must wear body braces to keep the curvature at bay.

Aged 12 and 16 I had spinal fusions - major operations to prevent further curvature of my vertebral column. At that time, a spinal fusion meant a month in hospital: I was strapped to a bed and turned every four hours. I slept, washed and ate, strapped in, for weeks, until I was put in yet another plaster cast and could sit, stand and, eventually, climb stairs. This was 1985.

By comparison, in 2018 my youngest daughter walked the day after her spinal fusion. In 33 years, medical advances had thankfully made her experience very different to mine. That’s not to say her experience was pain-free, but she was able to leave hospital after seven days and she was not in plaster. She was exercising six months after the surgery and, unlike me, her surgery was successful and didn’t need to be repeated. My eldest daughter also has a double curve and was treated with bracing; she’s avoided surgery so far.

So I’m guessing there’s a strong genetic link, and research in this area is vital to understanding the condition. There’s been life after treatment for all of us: we are active and healthy and rarely suffer with pain that stops our usual daily routines. My eldest even managed a gymnastic career and competed for Great Britain. The difference between my treatment in the 80s and that of my daughters is staggering. It is my hope that, should any of my grandchildren have the same condition, with medical advances funded by charities such as Scoliosis Support and Research, their experience will be even kinder.

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