I am so pleased that I can get involved and help raise some money for such a brilliant local charity that a family so close to us will hugely benefit from. One of my close friends (and my lovely bridesmaid), both fell pregnant at the same time and had our baby boys within a few weeks of each other just before the very first lockdown in 2020.

Otis and Rudy are just 6 weeks apart but my incredible friends have been on a very different journey to myself and David. Rudy has a very rare genetic disorder (PIGN-1 which is part of the wider group of CDG genetic conditions). When I tell you just how rare Rudy's condition is there are only around 70 known cases worldwide, he is pretty special and one of a kind! However with so few cases to compare and huge variations in symptoms and severity it is hard to know what life is going to be like for Rudy. 

Rudy's condition effects his muscle tone so he struggles to hold his head up, sit up or be able to roll over (yet!), his Mum and Dad take him regularly for physio appointments and swimming therapy to help him to develop. Now Rudy is growing, he will turn 2 years old in March he is a tall boy and has amazing equipment so he can sit at the table etc in comfort and be supported. 

Rudy is such a gorgeous little soul and I find him super calming to be around, he has bright eyes and gives plenty of smiles and his happiness and comfort are the most important thing to his parents. Rudy suffers with seizures and this is how he was diagnosed last year and is something he is still being treated for resulting in lots of medication as well as a feeding tube. Rudy's condition also weakens his immune system, he can pick up infection easily and has found himself poorly in hospital being treated for chest infections when he has probably only been with someone with a cold and this is a huge set back for him. Parenting for my friend Nicola has certainly been different and challenging in very different ways than she ever imagined and I am so proud of how she has coped, you can follow Rudy's journey on Instagram @rudysw0rld and you too will see just how special his Mum and Dad are and how Rudy is such a Rockstar. Nicola is so gifted with words, she writes openly and honestly about her experiences with raising and caring for a baby with disabilities and I have already learnt so much from her and will continue to support them in any way I can. I urge you to have a read...

Rudy qualifies for respite at our local children's hospice, Haven House who rely on events and fundraising like this to keep up their incredible work and care of providing life changing respite care to local children with complex needs and their families. As Rudy grows he will need more and more support and Nicola and Harry will be able to enjoy some time together knowing that Rudy is in great hands. So please if you are able to, even if you sacrifice that coffee today, every penny counts.

On Saturday 2nd October, David's office have arranged their first fundraiser "Rudy's Ramble" which we have been asked to walk in teams of 5 and raise some money; so in order to spread more awareness and raise even more money I have set myself a target to take on 5 hours of ((BOUNCE)) on Monday 27th September along with my Mum, Lorraine and partner in ((BOUNCE)) Izzy, we will be hosting two live classes that day and then three more hours in-between. If you live close to Brentwood and would like to book on to a class to support us come and join the fun you can book your trampoline here: https://bookwhen.com/bouncebrentwood#focus=ev-s4av-20210922091500 

But don't worry if you aren't local I will be sure to keep my social media updated!