'Run with Ben' to Support Boy with Rare Syndrome
GARY Jones will run the Rock 'n' Roll
Liverpool Marathon on 14 June 2015, while pushing his 8 year old son in a buggy,
but he hasn't always been a runner. Gary started running for his son, Ben, who
at the age of 4 was diagnosed with a rare developmental disorder called Phelan McDermid
Syndrome (PMS).
Gary decided to run with Ben after he participated in a virtual 5K race put on
by the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation. He realised that running with Ben
not only provides a way to relieve stress and bond with his son, but also helps
stimulate Ben's sensory needs.
Gary started running in more races on behalf of PMS, running last year's Rock 'n' Roll Liverpool Half Marathon and this year's EDP Rock
'n' Roll Madrid Half
Marathon, all while pushing Ben.
The Rock 'n' Roll Liverpool Marathon is the next big race on his running
calendar and a big step up to the full marathon distance. Gary will once again
be running with Ben to raise funds and awareness for the Phelan McDermid
Syndrome Foundation.
Rock 'n' Roll Liverpool participants are also encouraged to 'Run with Ben'.
This can be done by answering 'Yes' when prompted to be part of the
campaign during the 5k registration process. Those who select to be on the
'Run with Ben' team will receive a t-shirt and a donation will be made to one of
Ben's chosen charities. The 'Run with Ben' promotion applies to the new
5k on Saturday only.
There is a wide range of severity of symptoms observed in people with Phelan-McDermid
Syndrome. Like other autism related syndromes, PMS is associated with
intellectual disabilities, sleep disorders and seizures. Most children with PMS
have moderate to severe delays and often do not develop functional language. In
addition, Ben has an increased tolerance to pain and has also been diagnosed
with ADHD.
Despite all his challenges Ben remains a very happy little boy and brings smiles
everywhere he goes. To donate to Ben's appeal, you can do so on his
website.
For information about Rock 'n' Roll Liverpool or to register for the race,
please visit:-
www.runrocknroll.com/liverpool.
About Rock 'n' Roll Liverpool Marathon & ˝ Marathon
A Competitor Group event, the 2nd annual Rock 'n' Roll Liverpool Marathon and
the ˝
Marathon is expected to welcome more than 12,000 participants over the weekend
of 12 June to 14 June 2015. Sunday's marathon and half marathon offer scenic courses
that start and finish along the waterfront, and feature views of the stunning
docks, rich architecture, spectacular museums and historic commercial districts
along the course. The race added a second day of running with a new 5K on
Saturday and a shorter 1 mile run on Sunday. Live bands and entertainment are
staged along the courses and concludes with a headliner concert at the finish
line.
The Liverpool race is part of an international series of entertainment themed
marathons and half marathons, with other European events in Madrid, Dublin and
Lisbon. For more information about the Rock 'n' Roll Liverpool Marathon or to
register for the event, visit:-
uk.competitor.com/liverpool.
