This year we have decided to set up a year of fundraising called 'the butterfly effect 2019'. The title suggests that if we all do something small it can have a significant impact on some fantastic causes.

We will be raising money for SNAPS (Leeds) who provide James with subsidised hydrotherapy with a physiotherapist on a weekly basis. The group also provides family support and activities that benefit us and Emily as well as James.

We will also be raising money for CP teens who provide social opportunities and support for young people with Cerebral Palsy or physical difficulties. We would love James to be able meet other people and make friends with individuals who understand his needs in the future.

Finally, we would also like to raise some funds to support James' communication needs. We are hoping he will get an eye gaze communication device on loan from the NHS but we are anxious about how long this might take and whether it will be a long term loan. Therefore, any money raised on his behalf will be saved and used to purchase a device or software ourselves in the future if needed.

We are asking family and friends to help us fundraise so we can raise as much money as possible which will have a significant impact on these charities/causes. We will be organising events such as bake sales and online auctions throughout the year but I am mainly working towards completing the Yorkshire Marathon in October 2019!

I do love running and it is great for my mental health, especially since having James. I have completed a few half marathons in the last year but as I write this the thought of doing double a half marathon makes me feel a little bit sick! Therefore, any encouragement to push myself via sponsorship for these fantastic causes would be wonderful!

Ultimately, money raised will have an impact on James' future, physically, cognitively and socially which supports his journey to independence. #jamesjourney