Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page for the Big Walk 2022. 

On Friday 24th June, I completed the Big Walk in support of Genetic Rare Disease Research at the University of Sheffield. It was a remarkable walk from the Yorkshire Bridge Inn across the Peak District and back to the University of Sheffield.

As the University’s lead for Genetic Disease Research this is a cause I am immensely passionate about. I have dedicated my life and my career to helping find cures for people suffering from devastating rare and inherited genetic conditions. 

I’m personally hoping to raise £5,000 to help progress this research - and I hope you’ll consider supporting me in this challenge.

I’ve met many families who are coping with genetic diseases. Like the Edwards family. Robbie was just a toddler when she was diagnosed with the rare condition SPG47 - it’s a cruel and progressive disease. But with the help of our research we’ll soon be going to clinical trial with a gene therapy treatment that could change the lives of children like Robbie. 

I know gene therapy works, having been involved in developing a gene therapy treatment for babies with SMA type 1. This drug is now in the hands of doctors right here in Sheffield. Previously, the life expectancy for a child with SMA type 1 was just 2 years old - now with the help of genetic disease research they have full, bright futures ahead of them.

The potential of gene therapy is huge. Not just for the thousands of rare genetic diseases that have no cure - but also for more common conditions like MND, dementia, age-related hearing loss and even cancer.

Your support won’t just benefit one person, it could benefit hundreds of thousands of people. 

For patients who are suffering from these conditions, and their families, they will really appreciate your generosity. For them knowing that people were kind enough to donate and make these treatments happen is very comforting and will bring them hope that a cure might one day be possible.    

You can find more information about the appeal here: www.sheffield.ac.uk/giving/gdr

Thank you for your support.