Hey Everyone,

Alex is running the Great North Run 5K in September with his friends from Barnability for his 30th Birthday.

Alex was diagnosed with a rare syndrome called W.A.G.R syndrome when he was born. He was 1 of 50 cases in the world and due to the complications of the syndrome was told he would not make it past the age of 3 years old. Individuals that suffer from this syndrome are predisposed to develop Wilms Tumours (cancer of the kidneys), Aniridia, Genitourinary Abnormalities and Mental Retardation. Alex has overcome many life challenges but has remained positive and has not let his disability beat him.

Last year Alex started at a gym called The Barn, located just outside of Ponteland. Jo (who owns The Barn) offers a class called Barnability which focuses on individuals with additional needs. This allows these specific individuals to be part of the community and inclusive to sports. Since attending the gym, Alex has not only lost weight and achieved milestones we never thought he could (like pull ups) but gained heaps of confidence and as a result the troops that attend Barnability have decided to compete in this years Great North Run 5K to not only celebrate the amazing milestone that Alex is turning 30 but also to prove that no matter the disability we are all equal.

Alex has chosen to fundraise for the Royal National Institute for the Blind as they provide individuals who are blind with the support and equipment they need to make everyday life more accessible.

Any contributions will be greatly appreciated by us and the RNIB. Roll on September for 30th celebrations with Barnability!!!

Thanks guys xxxx