Hi folks, thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I'm running the London Marathon in aid of Batten Disease Family Association, and I'd love to have your support if you feel able.

I first heard about Batten Disease last year and in an unexpected way - at a large wine-tasting event that I'd gone along to to learn something about the wines (honestly!) and to have fun, naturally. I managed to do both quite well. However, the event also had a fundraising element to it and Batten Disease Family Association was the chosen charity. What I hadn't anticipated was learning about the awful, degenerative illness that is Batten Disease. I met a woman whose son suffers from the disease. She talked eloquently about the joy that he'd brought to hers and her family's lives but also about the tragedy of the disease for the children who suffer (and usually they are just children as they are not expected to live beyond their teens or early twenties at best). Seemingly healthy at birth, these children soon develop loss of sight, mental impairment, diminishing motor skills and eventually dementia, finally being unable to recognise family members. I'm sure you'll agree that this is tragic at any age but especially so in childhood. I was very moved by what I'd heard and decided that I'd try to help in some small way by raising funds for the Batten Disease Family Association. By sponsoring my efforts in this year's London Marathon, you'll be helping to support these children and their families, and vital research into the causes and potential treatments of the disease, as well as work being done to develop better diagnostic tests.

Whatever you feel able to give will be greatly appreciated, so please donate now if you can.

Very many thanks. All the best. Anne

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.