Well it's that time of year again where we are getting ready for our next 'Big Fun Run' for Tuberous Sclerosis in Wythenshawe Park, Manchester on Sunday 14^th August 2011.

However, this year there is a BIG difference – as those of you who supported us last year will know, Heather & I took part in the Big Fun Run together but this year Iain is taking part too and our team has grown into an ARMY! So far there are 10 of us doing the run and were hoping to get even more recruits to come down and join this year whether it’s to take part in the Fun Run or cheer us on from the sidelines – WE WANT YOUR SUPPORT!!!!!

The other big change is that this year we’re not just doing it for Charley-Marie as sadly last year her big sister Emma-Jean & their Dad, Andy was also diagnosed with TSC so as you can imagine it has been a very challenging year for all of us. BUT with the support of each other and our friends & family we have become even more determined to raise valuable funds in order to find a cure for TSC and also to raise awareness as you never know if or when it is going to affect yourself or a loved one.

For those of you who have never heard of TSC, it can cause tumours to grow anywhere in the body and they often grow in the developing brain of babies and children causing epilepsy, autism, attention problems and learning difficulties. It is a genetic condition, often affecting several members of one family. It can affect anyone and it often comes as a bolt from the blue. 70% of babies with Tuberous Sclerosis are born to families with no medical history of the disease.

As you can imagine, finding out yourself or a loved one has been diagnosed with TSC can have devastating effects. What is even more devastating is that there is currently no cure to this potentially life threatening disease.

Please spare a little time to look at the TSA webpage for more information; http://www.tuberous-sclerosis.org/

Please also take a few minutes to join our Facebook page; http://www.facebook.com/pages/Doing-it-for-Charley/145904875437764?v=wall

If you would like to see Heather's page, please visit; http://www.justgiving.com/heather-skinner0

For more information on the 'BIG Fun Run' please take a look at; http://www.bigfunrun.com/?manchester&locations_id=52

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.