I've been saying for years about how I wanted to run a Marathon when I turned 40.  I reached that milestone in September 2017 so now the reality is that I need to achieve my goal.  In September 2016 my niece Eleanor was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease. It was a scary time for all of us but not least my younger sister and brother-in-law.  Whenever I mentioned the disease to anyone the first response was normally "What??? As in the motorbikes!?!"  I have therefore decided to raise money for Societi whose aims are to raise awareness and to push the medical profession for better diagnosis, treatment and national protocols.  Some of the projects they are currently running are National Awareness (£250,000) and E-learning modules in Kawasaki which the NHS are going to use in their learning frames for all GP's/Drs and other medical professionals (secured £31,000 with £28,500 still to raise). 

As a parent myself it is very important to me to raise awareness of this disease as it is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in the UK. I also want to raise awareness of the symptoms so that parents know what to look out for

What is Kawasaki Disease? - Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that mainly affects children under the age of five. The characteristic symptoms are a high
temperature that lasts for more than five days, with:

• a rash
• swollen glands in the neck
• dry cracked lips
• red fingers or toes
• red eyes

It is thought that Kawasaki disease is caused by an
infection, although the exact cause is not fully understood.  Kawasaki disease causes the blood vessels to become inflamed and swollen, which can lead to complications in the coronary arteries (the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart).

Up to 5% of children with Kawasaki disease experience complications with their heart. In about 1% of cases, the complications can be fatal.

Thanks to early diagnosis at Broomfield Hospital in Essex, Eleanor made an excellent recovery following a 5 day stay.  She will however continue to undergo regular testing to ensure her heart remains in good health.

Thanks for visiting my page and reading my story and I hope you will make a donation to this fantastic cause.

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