The event takes place on April 13^th 2008 and Mike is hoping to raise at least £1000 and we hope that you will support him.

The most cost-effective way to do this is online using THIS LINK, it would be helpful if you could email your name and address and date of donation to enable us to say thank you. Alternatively you can post a cheque to :

Perthes Association, PO Box 773,
Guildford GU1 1XN

write Ref: Mike Forder London Marathon on the back of the cheque. If you require a receipt please also include your name and address.

Here is Mike’s story:

In November 2004, out of the blue, our son Tim, aged 4 years, experienced pain in his right hip and leg and could only walk with a limp. After a period of investigation, including ultrasound, he had an x-ray and was diagnosed with Perthes disease in early 2005. We had never heard of Perthes disease before. Since then, Tim’s condition has been monitored by an Orthopaedic Paediatric Consultant and Tim has also had daily physiotherapy sessions with his mother at home, under the expert guidance of a Senior Physiotherapist .

During 2005 Tim had phases of being unable to bear any weight on his right foot and for a few weeks used crutches. His hip was often quite painful and he frequently walked and ran with a limp. Some weeks Tim needed daily pain-killers and other weeks he coped without. He saw the Consultant and the Physiotherapist regularly.

Towards the end of 2005, Tim’s x-ray showed the first signs that the top of the femur was growing back again. Throughout 2006 and 2007 Tim fortunately had few episodes when his hip was painful. The most recent x-ray, taken in January 2008, shows the re-growth progressing well. He now seldom experiences any pain and we hope the Consultant will sign him off next year.

The physiotherapist says that Tim, who will be 8 in May, is the most sporty boy on her books and, apart from when he was really in too much pain, he has continued to be as physically active as he possibly can, now that re-growth has begun he is playing football at every opportunity – this season his is playing for a team in a local “Little League” and is top scorer in his age group!

We are aware that Tim’s experience of Perthes disease has been a great deal less limiting than many other children and are very grateful for this and the support of all the professionals involved.

Consequently we would like to contribute to the Perthes Association’s charity work which does so much to help children suffering with the disease and I have therefore decided to run this year’s London Marathon to raise money for the cause.

Thank you for your support.