The Charity

GRI-UK is a charity who support individuals and families affected by GRI disorders so that those diagnosed can lead the best life possible.

GRI disorders are a group of genetic conditions associated with ionotropic glutamate receptors. These receptors are essential for learning and memory, along with other biological processes.

GRI-UK is made up of a small team of dedicated volunteers, they operate on a national level, reaching out to families in need of support and information. Their work is entirely funded by donations and grants, which enables them to continue their vital mission.

Having a child diagnosed with any additional need can be incredibly daunting and can leave parents in a very lonely place. This is the place both myself and Mike found ourselves in when Ollie received his own diagnosis of a rare GRI disorder.

GRI-UK were able to offer us both practical information and emotional support as we navigated the beginning of such an unknown journey. They continue to offer all families this support and guidance, as well as working to advance the search for treatment and cures.

The Challenge

100 MILES IN MAY!

As a family we are going to be pounding the pavements throughout May to raise vital funds to help GRI-UK continue their mission. We live in hope that treatment or even a cure will be found, yet without the funds available research cannot continue.

Both myself & Mike will be mainly running our miles (with the occasional walk or even crawl to catch our breath!) and Sophia will be running, scooting and cycling her miles to add to the big total! Together we will be ticking off each mile, one at a time, and ensuring all 100 miles are done and dusted by 31st May!

Family life is different to what we envisaged it would be, and Ollie’s complex needs mean a lot of “normal” family activities prove too hard for us to undertake. It also means we have very limited time to ourselves and Sophia has to be a very patient and caring big sister. Therefore doing this challenge together as a family makes it even more meaningful.

The Plea

We would be incredibly grateful for your support in helping us raise as much as we can for a charity so close to our hearts. Sending thanks to you all in advance - we will keep updating our page so you can see how we are doing. Two sleep deprived non runners with two kids in tow, what could possibly go wrong?!

Bring on the challenge!