RUN4SMA

I am running the 2011 BUPA Great North Run, fundraising for the JTSMA, the national charity set up to support families and individuals affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a degenerative neuromuscular disease that causes muscle weakness and wasting. This cause is close to my heart as my beautiful, charming and delightful four year old daughter Emily was recently diagnosed with Type 3 SMA. Thankfully, Emily's future looks hopeful supported by the expertise within the Institute of Human Genetics at Newcastle's International Centre for Life, and the networks provided by the Jennifer Trust. However, despite her positive, enthusiastic and lively disposition, the condition cannot be reversed, and there is currently no effective treatment or cure. I hope my efforts will go some way towards raising awareness, as well as highlighting the support available to those dealing with this diagnosis. Approximately 1 in 40 of us are carriers without even knowing it, and two carriers have a 1 in 4 chance of producing a child with any one of the four types of SMA. The Great North Run is the world's largest half marathon. I'll be competing against 53,999 other runners, each with their own unique and personal story, seeking support for a multitude of good causes. I'll be racing as part of the Great North Fitness Revolution. On Sunday 18th September, I'll be running my first ever 13.1 miles, and with your support, raising valued funds to help children like Emily, and ordinary families like us understand more about Spinal Muscular Atrophy and doing what we can to find a cure. Thank you for your support. I think I'll need it!! All the best Neil Carney, September 2011