CHARITY-MINDED runners are helping to give Wollaston’s Max Appeal a cash and profile boost by pounding the streets in both the Great North and Great South Runs.

The charity was set up for people suffering from Di George Syndrome by Paul and Julie Wootton who lost their son Max to the rare genetic condition.

From humble beginnings it has gone on to become an international organisation - with more and more people keen to learn about its work and help raise funds to pave the way for better care for people born with the syndrome, which can cause heart problems, palate abnormalities leading to speech and language difficulties, muscular and spinal problems, calcium deficiencies, poor immune systems and mental health problems.

And this year the charity, which is still run out of a tiny office at Julie and Paul’s Meriden Avenue home, looks set to benefit from cash raised by its finest ever turn-out of runners taking part in both popular half marathons.

Paul, together with children Georgia and Archie and a team of Max Appeal supporters, hope to have raked in up to £11,000 after finishing the gruelling Great North Run on Sunday October 5.

And Stourbridge youngsters Lizzie, Beth and Martha and their friends Elinor and Caitlin are getting set to take part in the Great South Run in Portsmouth on Sunday October 26 in aid of the charity.

Julie said: “This year we’ve had 25 places in the Great North Run and now runners in the Great South Run too.

“It’s our biggest ever turn out and it’s fantastic to see our local supporters and supporters from all over the UK getting out and running for Max Appeal. It means a tremendous amount to us, raising awareness of the work of our charity and much needed funds.”

Although still a small charity, Max Appeal is the largest in the world giving support to those affected by 22q11.2 deletion, Di George and Velo - Cardio Facial Syndromes.

Julie said: “22q11 deletion affects as many as 1 in 1,800 people and is the most common of chromosome deletions, it’s certainly as common as Down’s Syndrome.”

The test, however, to detect the missing part of chromosome 22 was only finalised in 1992, so awareness among the medical profession and public is only now growing.

But Max Appeal is working to raise awareness of the condition and together with top clinicians is putting together a national protocol or consensus document for the care of people with 22q11.2 deletion syndromes - which will ultimately be distributed to the medical profession throughout the NHS.

To find out more about the charity email info@maxappeal.org.uk or call 01384 821227.