Girl with rare condition will walk Birmingham 10k.
A 16-year-old Birmingham girl with a rare medical condition will be walking the Morrisons Great Birmingham 10k on Sunday 3rd May.
Thirteen years ago, Fiona Ahern and her sister Laura, 14, from Hall Green, were diagnosed at Birmingham Children’s Hospital with a rare inherited metabolic disorder called Homocystinuria.
Homocystinuria is a rare genetic disorder which occurs in one in every 200,000 people and results in an increased risk of blood clotting, skeletal abnormalities such as extensive growth spurts and problems with eye sight. The two sisters take medicines four times a day and undergo weekly blood tests to regulate their condition.
The 10k will give runners a choice of musical starting waves to select from, with music from the 70s, 80s, 90s and ‘Now’. Fiona will be part of the unique walking wave, allowing participants to take part in the event but at their own pace.
Fiona has chosen to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital as it has played an important role in the well-being of her and Laura since being diagnosed with Homocystinuria. “They go above and beyond what they have to do for us and it’s about time we give something back,” she explained.
Vikki Calcutt, Deputy Director of Fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, said: “We want to say a massive good luck and thank you to Fiona for joining our team for the first-ever Great Birmingham 10k.
“It’s especially heart-warming for us when we hear about patients want to take part as a way to say thank you. Fiona’s support will inspire others to join her and help us provide the best for the next generation of children who need us.”
After signing up for the 10k run, Fiona found a training plan online and has been outdoors walking every day in preparation. Originally aiming to raise £100 for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, she has already gone beyond her target.
To sponsor Fiona, her fundraising page can be found at www.justgiving.com/fizahern10k
To enter the run, go to www.greatrun.org/great-birmingham-10k
For more information on Birmingham Children’s Hospital fundraising go to www.bch.org.uk/events