City marathon to help Harry

Ricky Brown will be taking on the run in aid of Harry, the young son of friends, who suffers from Mucopolysaccharide disease (MPS).

Mucopolysaccharide and related Lysosomal Storage Diseases are rare, life-limiting genetic conditions.

Ricky said: “One baby born every eight days will be diagnosed with an MPS or related disease. These multi-organ storage diseases cause progressive physical disability and, in many cases, severe degenerative neurological deterioration, which sadly can result in death in childhood. Currently there is no known cure.” The MPS Society is a UK charity providing support to the individuals and families that have been affected by these devastating diseases.

The society also funds vital research into treatments, offering hope for the future.

Ricky has run a few events over the last few years and has recently completed the London Vitality 10km Run for the charity.

He is setting himself a target of £1,500 which will go towards the charity’s work in searching for a cure.

Ricky, a play leader at the Bearbrook and Elmhurst Early Years Excellence Hub, has a passion for enriching the lives of young people.

He has worked within the education sector around Aylesbury over the last 10 years, working at Quarrendon School, Aylesbury Vale Academy and most recently at Elmhurst Primary School as a learning support assistant.

He added: “Running the London Marathon has been top of the priority list for me and to finally have this chance and run it for a great cause only makes me want to work hard and support this great charity. Not only for Harry, but others who could also benefit from the research.”

With a training plan already underway, Ricky said he realises running the marathon is going to need a lot of commitment.

He added: “A few 10km runs along the way and the possibility of a half marathon will all go towards giving me the start I need to complete the London Marathon in a reasonable time.”

If you would like to help support Ricky in this cause, you can do so at his fundraising page. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Rickyldnmarathon