Hi my names Melissa im 26 and I took part in my first ever run!!! The Bupa Great Manchester Run on the 15th May 2011.

The reason I am running is to raise money and awareness for Nystagmus. My 2yr old son was born with this incurable eye condition. I, like many of you reading this had never heard of Nystagmus before and when the specialist told me what it was and how it can affect peoples lives..I cried.

In a nutshell its an involuntary movement of the eyes,so the eyes may jerk,or move fast or wobble. Nystagmus usually appears in the first few months of life but can always develop later on. Those that have Nystagmus usually have decreased vision and poor depth concept, which can result in them not being able to walk unaided or drive. With Harley his vision is now affected and he is extremely short sighted and aswel as the Nystagmus he also has an undiagnosed rare chromosome disorder which is currently being investigated. Nystagmus can affect motor and development skills as a result of a neurological problem All of this has had a knock on affect for Harley and his development is severley delayed.

So I now have the challenge of learning how to run (god help me) to get as much money as I possibly can to help support a great charity, Im hoping it will make people more aware that there is a condition out there like this and the people affected, even though may appear different are just like me and you!

I cant wait to see my special little boys big beaming smile when i (eventually) cross the finish line!! Harley - Mummy loves you to the moon and back !!

Due to generosity and coverage, I have already reached my target of £500, so I am increasing this goal to raise even more money for the Nystagmus Network Charity so they can keep advising and supporting those that need it!! 

Harley and I have amazing friends and they too are running for this amazing charity...so with all their added help, awareness and money I am confident that the new set goal of £1500 will soon be met!    

So please dig deep and donate now, it would be nice to know how you came across Harley's link - that way we know whats working to help promote the Nystagmus charity!

With the 10k now under our belts - my fundraising is still going strong. From the likes of wristbands being made and sold in my local pub and Harleys school to a fundrasing day at a local nursery! the page will close 15th August so im trying to now collect all the cash and get it donated onto here!

so to everyone thats donated/supported and helped me and Harley thank you form the bottom of our hearts!!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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.

Thank you :o)