Annabelle's Family Runs for Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness

Annabelle’s Family Runs for Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness

Many friends and volunteers made it a special day for Annabelle as she participated in the Manchester UK Color Run. The Griffin family spearheads ongoing campaigns to fundraise and spread awareness for Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in the UK.

Annabelle with her mom Sarah Griffin

COLOURFUL fundraisers painted the town not just red, but every shade possible, when they took part in “the world’s happiest fun run”.

A team of Annabelle’s Challenge volunteers joined thousands of runners to take part in the Manchester Color Run at the Etihad Stadium.

Catherine Crespin, from Radcliffe, pulled together the team to raise awareness of Vascular Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, which five-year-old Annabelle Griffin suffers from.

The rare genetic condition, the most serious form of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, causes collagen deficiency and means Annabelle is at daily risk of her internal organs and arteries spontaneously rupturing.

Catherine’s team of runners included her nine-year-old son Aaron, his friend Kieran Wilson-Hughes, aged 10, work colleague Kathryn Howell and her eight-year-old daughter Megan.

Annabelle came along to show her support with her parents Jared and Sarah Griffin, of Wilby Close, Brandlesholme, taking it in turns to push her around the circuit in the safety of a buggy.

Catherine said: “We wanted to raise awareness and funds for Annabelle’s Challenge and the Color Run was ideal as it also allowed for Annabelle to take part in a safe and fun way.

Altogether £150 was raised for the charity by completing the circuit, which saw colourful paint powder thrown at the runners every kilometre. Runners Aaron and Kieran received more colour than they bargained for, when they both sustained bruising during the sprint around the stadium.

Aaron jolted his arm and Kieran lost his balance close to the finish line, and were treated by St John Ambulance officials.

Jared added: “A big well done to the boys in particular for completing the course.

“It was a fantastic event which also appeals to non-runners, making it possible for Annabelle to take part even from the comfort and safety of her buggy.”