Ballymena couple Ricky and Lynn Hamilton have set about raising awareness and funds for Nerve Tumours UK, inspired by their own journey when son Finlay (6) was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) - a condition that the family had never heard of previously.
Six year old Finlay was diagnosed with the condition in November 2019.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a genetic condition that causes tumours to grow along your nerves. The tumours are usually non-cancerous (benign) but may cause a range of symptoms.
Mum Lynn said: “Like most people, we had never heard of this condition, yet there are approximately 26,500 people affected by it in the UK and there is no cure.
“This year we desperately wanted to raise awareness of this awful condition, so I made various posts on Facebook throughout the month of May - which is NF Awareness Month - and attached a donation link. I am delighted to say we raised £504 for Nerve Tumours UK (a Neurofibromatosis Charity)”!
The family’s efforts received a boost when Finlay’s cousin also got onboard with her business - ‘Sophie Jones Aesthetics’, Coleraine - and raised another £500. Another local business, ‘The Peak of Perfection’, hosted a special charity day which raised £1,500.
In total an amazing £2,504 has been raised for Nerve Tumours UK, inspired by the couple and young Finlay.
Commenting on the community support and donations, Lynn said:
“Ricky, Finlay and I would like to thank all of our family, friends and the local community for getting involved and helping to raise awareness of Neurofibromatosis and giving so generously of their time and money. We have been totally overwhelmed by all the love and support from everyone!”
If you would like to find out more about NF1, or indeed make a donation please visit:
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