A BRAVE schoolgirl who suffers with a rare bone disorder is a step closer to life-lengthening treatment thanks to the “amazing” support of fundraisers.
Jasmine Sanderson’s family and the loved ones of five other sufferers of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) have been on a dedicated drive to raise cash for the last 12 months.
They needed to raise £120,000 by the end of this month to continue promising research carried out at Oxford University into the rare illness, which affects just one in two million people.
Despite looking like the fundraising total was going to fall agonisingly short, a late push secured the amount required to the delight of Jasmine’s mum, Kelly.
“The support we have had has been amazing, I’m just so grateful for every single penny which has been raised, we can’t thank people enough,” said the 34-year-old childminder.
As families of sufferers of the rare condition worked to raise awareness, residents in Hartlepool certainly played their part in raising the cash.
Gruelling climbs up mountains, women getting their hair shaved and two months of daily activities in a school have all helped to raise more than £25,000 in the town.
Jasmine, now six, was just 19-months-old when she was diagnosed with FOP, a condition which causes bones to grow over tendons, ligaments, joints and muscles around the body, restricting Jasmine’s movements.
The average life expectancy of sufferers is just 41, but medics have revealed they may be just two years away from a clinical drugs trial.
The £124,000 total which was raised throughout the country can now be used as experts continue their research into the condition.
“This year there has been a lot more articles in newspapers around the country and it’s been on the television, which has all helped to raise publicity so people know more about it,” added Kelly, who lives in the King Oswy area of town with husband, Ian, 38, Jasmine, and their oldest daughter, Sienna, seven.
“That has all helped to get even more support.
“We are absolutely overwhelmed by the support we have received.”
Fundraisers will hope to carry on the momentum as they attempt to continue raising cash next year in support of Jasmine and other sufferers of FOP and close in on the pioneering treatment.
To find out more about the condition and to support Jasmine visit www.fopaction.co.uk
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