Our daughter Cecilia Bonnie Brady was born in October 2018, she was perfect in every way. Our family was complete. As the months went by we were growing slightly concerened when milestones were not being met, she was unable to to sit up, crawl, clap hands etc, all the simple things we took for granted with our older children. Cecilia also found it very difficuilt to have her milk each day. After lots of discussions with doctors and seeing a number of Paediatrician's, in October 2020 we got the answers to all our questions, our beautiful daughter was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome, 2 days after her 2nd birthday. We will never forget this life changing moment. as we went through a full range of emotions. This is such a rare genetic disorder which many people would never have heard of. Currently there is no cure but there is so much hope that this will change. Cecilia has achieved so much already in her life with us now knowing the challenges she has been up against. Cecilia is the most happiest little girl who brings so much love and joy to everyone in her life. We realise now how lucky we are to have her in our lives. Yes we know its going to be tough but we appreciate everything so much more now and has brought family and friends closer to us.

Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a rare neurological disorder affecting around 1:20,000 births. Characteristic features include delayed development, severe learning difficulties, little or no speech and issues with movement and balance. Although those affected have a normal life expectancy, they will require support throughout their lives.

Upon learning this, a group of Cecilia's family and friends who last year had never heard of Angelman Syndrome, decided they wanted to do something to help. Our mission is now to raise as much awareness as possible to help other families recognise the signs of this condition earlier and to raise as much money as possible to assist with finding a cure. We will on 13th July 2021 be leaving Manchester on our bikes and over the following days be making our way up to Edinburgh, raising awareness where possible as we travel  the 240+ miles.

FAST UK are committed to raising £1m per year for the next 4 years in order to carry out a Natural History study with Oxford University to facilitate clinical trials in the UK. A secondary outcome of the study will be to set up a centre of excellence for AS in Oxford providing the care and medical needs that people suffering from AS require. There is currently no such facility available in the UK. Join us today to be part of history by fundraising for the Cure Angelman Now (CAN) campaign. If anyone can, FAST UK CAN.