This May I will be taking on another challenge in running the Leeds marathon in support of Rett UK. It’s safe to say I feel very strongly about people’s attitudes towards people with disabilities as a lot of people may have never had the amazing experiences I have had growing up through one amazing person very close to me. I’m a firm believer that everyone should get the same opportunities to do great things regardless of physical limitations and that’s why Rett UK is the perfect charity for me. Last time round I raised over £1200 which I know genuinely would have had a positive impact on someone’s life.

This is my brother Charlie, he's the happiest person I know and he's always smiling non-stop and he's just an all round legend. Charlie has Angelman Syndrome which causes delayed development and effects his speech and balance and also causes him to have epilepsy. I think it's safe to say growing up I probably didn't understand it as much and it means that me and my family have to do things a little differently to everyone else but I think as I've gotten older I've realised how much of an amazing thing it is to have someone like him in your life. I’m sure there will be many people reading this who can relate in some way, and I know they’ll agree with me that a lot of people don't understand the joy of having someone like Charlie in your life. Many won’t realize how much one person can light up a room, just by being themselves, until they meet someone like him.

This is the perfect opportunity to do something nice and raise money for families in similar situations. I could have picked so many charities that all represent the same cause but I'm going to go for a charity that my mum works for called Rett UK. Rett syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that is onset in mainly girls from the age of one which causes limited communication and can affect physical ability. Rett UK gives families the support, information and practical advice needed to help deal with the challenges Rett syndrome presents. One of the things my mum has always focused on is different ways of communication using things such as picture boards or eye gaze technology. People with Rett syndrome can learn, are able to communicate very well, and they deserve to be given the opportunity to show this. I know for a fact that the money raised will genuinely make a positive difference to someone's life.

More information about Rett UK: Founded in 1985 Rett UK is the only UK charity which provides professional support to people living with Rett syndrome across the UK. Rett UK is a national charity dedicated to supporting and empowering people with Rett syndrome and their families. Our aim is that everyone with Rett syndrome is given every possible opportunity to achieve their individual potential so that they may live their life to the full.