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So, what's it all about then? Well, in April 2012 I will be running the Marathon des Sables (MDS) in Morocco. This is a 6 day ultra-marathon event, covering 250km in the Sahara - thats over a marathon a day for 5 days with a rest day in the middle (lazy). Why? I hear you ask. Well, apart from obviously being in the middle of a mid life crisis, it also provides me with an opportunity to raise the profile of a rare condition called Hunter Syndrome.

My best pal and I both have 7 year old sons - mine is Sam and his is Harry. The lads are great friends, but there is just one cloud on the horizon - Harry has Hunter Syndrome. Hunters is a rare but potentially devastating disease caused by a genetic / metabolic disorder that is present at birth. It affects Harrys ability to break down sugars in his body and the result is that his physical and mental development is impaired. Although the symptoms of Hunters are varied and broad ranging, it almost always limits lifespan, in severe cases to a little as 15 years.  

The good news is that Harry was diagnosed relatively early in life and has been recieving ground-breaking treatment for some time now. As a result, he is growing normally and developing in much the same way as most 7 year old boys - he plays football, rides his bike and generally enjoys life to the full. This is all thanks to the Willink Unit at the Royal Manchester Childrens Hospital which carries out research into genetic disorders such as Hunters and provides the treatment which is now extending lives.

The Willink Unit is providing over 2000 children with very specialised care, but it's expensive to fund, and thats where you come in. The money that you donate to the GEM Appeal all goes to the Willink Unit and really will help kids like Harry to live longer.      

 Thank you!