A mother and son duo from Rendlesham are taking on two Suffolk running events to raise money for a Dennington boy with a rare genetic condition.
Ozzy and Victoria Rayner are running the Kesgrave 5km and Woodbridge 10km in support of a friend’s son, Jakob Mccran, who has been diagnosed with MPS VII.
MPS VII, or Sly syndrome, is life-limiting condition caused by a gene mutation which reduces the production of an enzyme which breaks down large sugar molecules, cause the swelling of tissues and organs.
Ozzy, 12, also has a rare genetic condition called Prader-Willi Syndrome, causing him to have low muscle tone, but this has stopped him from taking on the challenge.
Mum Victoria said: “It’s a really big challenge but we’re really excited. Ozzy isn’t a runner but he’s so determined.
“We’re doing it for Lucy, Jakob’s mum. Her kids have never had a proper holiday before so we want them to make memories as a family. It makes you warm inside thinking about it.”
In 2022, Ozzy and Victoria did a 56-mile running challenge for Cancer Research UK - but this time they said they wanted to focus on a cause closer to home.
And they have already smashed their £600 target, raising more than £2,000 in just a week.
Ms Rayner wanted to thank everyone who had donated so far to the cause, which she holds dear to her heart.
She said: “We’re massively overwhelmed. We’re completely blown away and we can’t thank everyone enough.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here