The third charity to receive support from our ‘no Christmas cards’ pledge is Max Appeal. Max Appeal is one of the largest parent led charity in the world for 22q11DS, a condition that affects around 1 in 1,800 of the population, most of whom remain undiagnosed and not able to achieve their full potential in life.

Pictured above is Project Manager Paul from McDermotts (third from left) with Paul, Julie and Claire, all from Max Appeal.

22q11.2 is like a post code that tells medics that 40 or so genes are missing or duplicated from the long arm of the 22nd chromosome, this is also the underlying cause of DiGeorge syndrome and VCFS. The effect 22q11 Deletion Syndrome (and Duplication Syndrome) has is unique to the individual and could range from fatal heart defects, catastrophic immune deficiency and severe learning difficulties to mild behavioural problems, speech and language issues and facial characteristics. It is a multi-system disorder and the greatest known genetic risk factor for schizophrenia.

Max Appeal was established by Julie and Paul, parents of Max. Max was born on 5th November 1998 and died four months later from septicaemia due to complex heart defects combined with severe immunodeficiency problems. His parents wanted his life to mean more than his death and so established Max Appeal.

If you would like to find out more about Max Appeal visit their website www.maxappeal.org.uk