1 in 17 people will be affected by a rare condition at some point in their lives. The average patient receives THREE misdiagnosis, consults with FIVE doctors and waits FOUR years before receiving a diagnosis. Some people have to wait over 20 years to receive a final diagnosis. Living with a rare condition can have a huge impact on mental health, patients report experiencing anxiety, stress, low mood, and emotional exhaustion. No family should have to wait 20 years for an accurate diagnosis. This is why we need your support.By raising funds for Rare Disease UK, you will be helping us to: ensure that patients and families living with rare conditions have equitable access to high quality services, treatment and support; provide a united voice for the rare disease community; campaign for the implementation for the UK Strategy for Rare Diseases and capture the experiences of the rare community. Rare Disease UK is a campaign run by Genetic Alliance UK

Myself (and Phoenix, maybe a little of it with Buddy too) will be walking the Mighty Stride (20 mile) kiltwalk on 20th August to try and raise some money for my friend Rosie Madden who has an incredibly rare tumour in her pelvis. As noted above, like many patients Rosie has been misdiagnosed three times now whilst going through treatment. She is an amazing, positive person who has been fighting her diagnosis treatment with all she has got. I want to raise some money to help people like Rosie and her wonderful family to provide support for them and to help further research. Please if you are able, can you donate a little money.