Midshire takes ‘One Small Step’ for Prader-Willi Research

On 11th July 15, Midshire Group Marketing Manager, Adrienne Topping, and a group of friends took part in a charity walk across Stockport to raise money for the Foundation For Prader-Willi Research UK (FPWR).

The walk, called “One Small Step Pub Walk”, was organised by The Almond Family Pubs, a well-known, local family run business, to raise awareness for the condition which directly affects the daughter of owner Victoria Almond, Bella. Bella was diagnosed back in 2013 and during this time the Almond Family have become the leading source of fundraising for the UK charity.

The charity walk consisted of a 12.5-mile scenic route through Stockport with stop-offs at all of the pub restaurants in their chain. Starting at The Fletcher’s Arms in Denton and finishing at the Hesketh Tavern in Cheadle Hulme; there were periodic stops along the route, at the Spread Eagle, the Three Bears and Puss In Boots pubs.

Around 225 people participated on the day, (more than last year’s 123 people) and  all walkers received a commemorative a t-shirt and whistle.

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder affecting 1 in 22,000-25,000 births, caused by a lack of active genetic material on the chromosome 15.

A sufferer’s life can be affected in several ways:

• Hormones can differ and be irregular
• Muscle strength often declines
• Irregular appetite often occurs as the feeling of fullness after eating is often absent with the condition; this often leads to childhood obesity.
• Changes in behaviour often occur
• A reduction in cognition and learning skills are common in sufferers
• An inability to effectively regulate temperature is also common

Because of the life changing effects of the syndrome, the parents of child sufferers established the FPWR, who organised the first event, in 2003. Their aim was, and still is, to help raise money to fund medical research, which could help create better lives for sufferers of PWS and has so far raised £2,500,000 for this cause.

Marketing Manager, Adrienne Topping said:  

“I used to work for the Almond Family during my College and University days, so it was nice to get together again with friends and old colleagues and catch up, but all the time not forgetting what we were there to do. I wanted to take part to help raise a lot of money and awareness and to show support for Vicki, Liam and all the Almond family. Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare condition that many people, like me, hadn’t heard of. Because it is so rare the Foundation really does needs all the support it can get. 

The support from the public was fantastic and the t-shirts helped us stand out along the route. The weather conditions were good and so it was an enjoyable, but challenging day. It was a really well put-together event and I can’t wait to get involved again next year!”

Last year the walk helped to raise a massive £14,000 for FPWR, which was of great importance to the charity. This year the target is £18,000 and the funds continue to roll in.

FPWR: For website click here
Almond Family Pubs: For website click here

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