Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
James hits the road for his wee sister
Sibling’s plight inspires kid to raise over £2000
A caring Coatbridge youngster ran an impressive 5k to raise money for charity after learning about his little sister’s rare genetic disorder.
James Traynor, eight, made his family proud by raising more than £2000 for Reverse Rett, a charity that aims to find a cure for Rett syndrome.
James’ little sister Katie, five, suffers from the disorder which affects around 12,000 girls each year and is rarely witnessed in boys.
The genetic mutation causes severe disability, including seizures, and currently has no cure.
Loving big brother James has recently begun to understand the implications of Katie’s condition, and asked to take part in Reverse Rett’s annual 5k run to contribute to the cause of finding a cure.
Earlier this month, the Bargeddie Primary pupil travelled with his family to Berwick to take part in the race and left his mum Jennifer Cochrane “lost for words” with his effort.
She told the Advertiser: “James did really, really well.
“He’s not one for sports and when he said he wanted to take part I wasn’t sure he’d go through with it.
“But he actually enjoyed it and already can’t wait for next year.
“He’s raised a great amount of money and is really chuffed with himself.”
James’ dad Tony took his son’s sponsor sheet to his workplace, Luddon Construction.
The company kindly donated £500 to James’ cause and in total the youngster managed to raise £2380 for Reverse Rett.
He completed the race with cousin Cara, 15, and step-siblings Cara, 10, and Jamie, nine.
Jennifer continued: “James has been learning more about Katie’s diagnosis as he gets older and realises what is going on.
“He gets worried easily but raising this money has lifted his spirits as he wants to try and find a cure.
“I’m lost for words to try and describe how proud I am of him.”
Katie is due to start school this summer.
She has a fully functioning mind but her condition means her body can’t do what her mind is telling her – including walking and talking.
Jennifer explained: “The chances are she’ll never walk and she has been in a stage of regression due to how many seizures she has.
“We’re hoping she’s able to last a full day at school and she’s getting there.
“She’s been in and out of hospital a lot because of her seizures, which are caused by epilepsy.
“We stay positive and hope the money raised by Reverse Rett can help find a cure.”
Chances are she’ll never walk and she has been in a stage of regression