Latest Press Release

Issue date: 22 February 2010

 

40 Years and still Running!

 

Darren Griffiths is in training to run 151 miles across the Sahara Desert in support of a UK charity, the Restricted Growth Association, in their 40th year.

 

On the 1st April 2010, Darren Griffiths, godfather to Samuel Birch, a two year old child with a medical condition that will restrict his growth to a maximum of 4’6”, will be starting the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert, Morocco to raise awareness and money for the Restricted Growth Association (RGA). 

 

This amazing challenge comes at a very important time for the Restricted Growth Association (RGA). 2010 is the 40th year of the RGA, a charity that aims to provide support and advice to parents and people with genetic restricted growth conditions. Darren is 40 in 2010 and is proud to be helping out the RGA in its 40th year.

 

Darren said: “It’s a challenge, but one that I am really looking forward to. I’m going to be 40 this year and it is something I have wanted to do for a long time. Sam is a wonderful kid and having restricted growth will be an extra challenge for him. To be running the marathon for the Restricted Growth Association, knowing the fabulous work they do for people with restricted growth is an honour”.

 

The 6 day / 151 mile (243km) endurance race across the Sahara Desert is said to be the toughest foot race in the world. Darren will have to carry everything he will need for the duration (apart from a tent) on his back.

 

Stephanie Birch, Acting Chair of the RGA said: “I am in awe of the challenge that Darren has set himself to help the RGA; and I am very moved that he has done it because of wanting to help children like his godson Sam. This is the ‘Toughest Race on Earth’ and I very much hope that people support Darren’s efforts by sponsoring him. The RGA is very grateful for any donations to continue providing the vital work and support for families and individuals affected by a restricted growth condition.”

 

To show your support for Darren Griffiths and the Restricted Growth Association, please send a donation to the RGA office – PO Box 1024, Peterborough PE1 9GX. Please make cheques payable to ‘Restricted Growth Association’. You can also donate online at our secure donations site: https://restrictedgrowth.workwithus.org/mds. All the money raised through donations will go directly to the Restricted Growth Association as Darren has already kindly donated the entrance fee and expenses (almost £2,900) himself. Please give generously to this event. All monies raised will be used by the RGA to directly help individuals and families affected by a restricted growth condition.  

 

NOTES TO THE EDITOR

1. Restricted Growth Association is a registered charity in England and Wales and is the only charity representing all restricted growth conditions in the UK. The RGA provides vital information and support to improve the quality of life for persons of restricted growth, and their families.

   

 

1. Further media enquiries should be directed to the media officer at mediaofficer@restrictedgrowth.co.uk.

 

1. Over 80 per cent of people with a restricted growth condition are born to average height parents with no previous family history. The Restricted Growth Association works to provide support and help to these parents and ensure that they get the help and support that they so desperately need at such a difficult time in their lives. Also, due to the rarity of restricted growth conditions, often people affected never get to meet others in the same position as they grow up. The RGA strives to provide a network of support and self help groups to alleviate the issues faced by growing up and living with restricted growth.

 

1. Most members of the RGA have restricted growth due to a genetic condition.  There are estimated to be several hundred conditions that can cause restricted growth – these can cause proportionate or disproportionate restricted growth. The most common of these conditions, affecting around 70 per cent of our full members, is Achondroplasia, a genetic condition that causes disproportionate short stature.

 

1. Samuel Birch is a member of the RGA and has Achondroplasia. Achondroplasia is one of over 200 genetic conditions causing restricted growth. Restricted growth is defined as having a final height of less than 4’10”. He is the son of Stephanie and Stephen Birch of Shrewsbury.

 

1. Stephanie and Stephen Birch are both members of the RGA and are both Trustees. Stephanie is the Acting Chair of the RGA and has Achondroplasia.

 

1. The Marathon Des Sables covers 243km/151 miles, run over 6 days - equivalent to 5 1/2 regular marathons. In addition to that, competitors have to carry everything they will need for the duration (apart from a tent) on their backs in a rucksack. Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint. For further details please visit http://www.saharamarathon.co.uk/about.html

   

Life begins at 40