Hello everyone, I am Callum's Dad, and I am incredibly proud of my brave and resilient son.

Callum is not your average 15-year-old. He was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease complex 1 and Kearns-Sayre Syndrome (KSS) when he was just five years old. Mitochondrial diseases are a group of disorders that affect the mitochondria, which are the energy powerhouses of our cells, and Callum’s specific condition causes Callum to experience muscle weakness, fatigue, and progressive vision loss due to pigmentary retinopathy.

Even though I have never been an athletic person, I have decided to step out of my comfort zone for an important cause. I will be running the Bristol half-marathon in May 2024 to raise funds for The Lily Foundation in Callum's name.

Callum has never been able to run fully owing to his condition, and he is wheelchair-bound for long distances. As his Dad, I will be running this half-marathon not only for Callum but for all the children and families affected by mitochondrial diseases. I want to show them that they are not alone in this fight, and that we are all in this together.

I kindly ask for your support in this significant endeavour by sponsoring me for this event. Any donation, no matter how small, will go a long way in helping us reach our goal and make a difference in the lives of those affected by mitochondrial diseases.

Thank you for your support!

The Lily Foundation

This incredible organisation is the UK's leading mitochondrial disease charity and Europe's largest charitable funder of mitochondrial research. They provide essential support to patients and their families, raise public awareness about mitochondrial diseases, and fund scientific research to advance the search for effective treatments and cures.

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