A care provider is supporting two of its much-loved residents affected by a rare condition by raising funds for charity.
Salutem Care and Education, a specialist provider of care for people with disabilities, is taking on a four-mile walk between two of its care homes in Tiptree on October 27.
Staff and wheelchair-bound individuals will take part in a sponsored stroll from Kelvedon Road to Morley Road, followed by a cake sale and tea party to raise funds for the charity Rett UK.
Sarah Turner and Rebecca Marshall are supported by Salutem Care and Education and both suffer from Rett syndrome, a rare genetic neurological illness that affects how the brain develops in females.
As a result of the condition, sufferers will gradually lose the ability to move and speak as their motor and speech skills deteriorate over time.
The condition has about 2,500 confirmed diagnoses in the UK.
Salutem service manager Danielle King said Sarah and Rebecca are "fantastic" and it is important to help raise awareness about the condition.
She said: “Becky and Sarah are very much loved by everyone who meets them.
“They are a pleasure to support and a massive part of our community in Tiptree.
“Even today there is not enough known about Rett syndrome, which is almost exclusively found in girls.
“That’s why we wanted to make a small contribution to the charity that does so much to help the individuals and their families who live with the condition.
“We’re all very much looking forward to the walk and the individuals we support are determined that they will complete it come rain or shine.”
Rebecca moved into the Henderson and Harvard care home in 2021.
Early signs of the condition had been spotted by her first birthday.
At the age of 20 months and up until the age of five, Sarah faced many challenges and regressed compared to other young children.
But both Rebecca and Sarah have shown resilience against the condition, and are loved by their friends, family and the staff who support them.
Salutem will match the total amount raised up to £500.
If you would like to donate, visit tinyurl.com/4ybc8upt.
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