Family on fundraising mission for rare condition (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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Jez Clarke taking on incredible series of challenges
3:00pm Friday 21st September 2012 in News By Helen Morton
John Wall, Jez Clarke and Eden Clarke
THE family of a Basingstoke man are on a mission to help him raise money and awareness of a rare disability.
John Wall, 59, who has Athrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), is a trustee of charity The Athrogryposis Group, TAG, which supports people with the condition.
People with AMC are born with multiple joint contractures which limit the range of movement in the joints, though the number and position of affected joints varies widely between patients.
The condition is thought to originate in early pregnancy and is associated with lack of movement in the womb.
Mr Wall said the UK-wide group are working with a couple of hospitals across the UK – Birmingham Children’s Hospital and The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry – to increase awareness of the condition among medics.
Mr Wall, of Gainsborough Road, Black Dam, has difficulties with mobility and uses sticks to move around.
He said: “AMC affects people in such different ways. One child could seem to be at death’s door while another could just have a problem with one finger.”
His grandson Eden’s father Jez Clarke is undertaking an incredible series of challenges to raise money for TAG, urged on by his six-year-old son Eden.
He has chosen TAG as his charity of the year and by taking on an Ironman triathalon, the Great East Swim, Virgin London Triathlon, a half Ironman triathlon, several half marathons and a number of bike races throughout 2012, hopes to raise thousands for the cause.
One of his challenges will be attempting to row the Channel, despite having barely any rowing experience, with six friends, starting today.
Jez, 38, of Old Worting Road, said: “I do get a bit seasick so it’s going to be interesting. We’ll have a support boat with us and hopefully it will all go to plan.” Jez has already raised nearly £1,000 and took part in the gruelling Ironman triathlon – a 2.4 mile open water swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run in July. John said: “I’m very grateful he has chosen to support the charity.”
John’s daughter Kim Wall and five year-old granddaughter Megan Wall also help out supporting John and TAG, helping to organise regular events for group members.
