£3k London Marathon target in aid of rare brain condition

With the 26-mile event fast approaching, Lauren Barcroft, 27, is busy raising the £3,000 she needs in order to keep her place.

Lauren is preparing to run the event in aid of Rett Syndrome, a condition which older sister Carly Pleasance, 32, has suffered with from a young age.

Lauren said: ‘When Carly was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome back in the 80’s it wasn’t very well known and Carly was misdiagnosed with autism.

‘That could have meant she may not have been here today due to the care and medication she requires.’

Rett UK is the only charity in the UK which provides support to those people and their families living with Rett Syndrome.

Rett Syndrome is a rare condition affecting one in every 10-12,000 females and is rarely seen in males. It affects the development of the brain causing severe physical and mental disability.

‘Without a charity like Rett UK, Carly and many other girls may not be diagnosed correctly or receive the right treatment,’ said Lauren.

Rett UK relies solely on donations and does not receive any government funding, providing information and support as well as schooling and housing for girls living with the condition.

To help raise the funds, Lauren is hosting a Motown and Northern Soul night entitled Raise the roof for Rett Syndrome with eldest sister Lynsey Pleasance, 34.

The event will be held at the Portsmouth Irish Club on April 1, from 7pm. Tickets are £5 per person, which includes a raffle ticket into a prize draw. They will be on sale prior to the event and on the night.

Lauren is also planning to host a fitness class, car boot sale and bake sale to help towards the £3000 target.

‘My sister Carly won’t ever have the opportunity or the choice to do something like this so that’s why I want to do the marathon for this year,’ said Lauren.

To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/Lauren-Barcroft4/?utm_id=13