Last year, our nephew Theodore, fondly known as Ted or SuperTed, was diagnosed with GSD (type 3a) - a rare genetic disorder affecting his body's ability to break down glycogen.

Essentially, SuperTed, as he is more heroically known, lacks the enzyme that we all use to break down glycogen. Without this, glycogen is stored in his liver and as a result, he requires feeding at such precise times that even Swiss train drivers would be impressed. A feed too late can lead to his blood sugar levels being dangerously low.

As well as this, Teddy is fed through a tube linked directly to his stomach and he needs a very strict diet to limit the amount of glycogen his body takes in. Any sort of illness can lead to hospital treatment and due to the lack of awareness around the disease, these visits are not always straightforward.

Beth and I have been inspired, not only by Teddy's unrelenting happiness, but also by the efforts of his magnificent parents, and thus have decided to run the Great North Run for the Association of Glycogen Storage Disorder (AGSD).

AGSD's aims are to help those affected, provide relevant material to raise awareness and contribute to the advancement of treatments and cures. 

We hope that through this run, we are able to reach our goal of helping to fund these initiatives and raising awareness. 

Thank you for your love and support.

Jack and Beth xxx