The Dunn family are taking on a charity challenge ‘Everyday in May for Dravet’ along with Tamara Ward and the team who created the challenge to raise awareness and funds for the charity Dravet Syndrome UK.
The first day’s run on the 1st May will be dedicated to Florence Dunn, daughter of Surrey’s Matt Dunn.
Matt and wife Jessica alongside Lily and Chloe Spokes, Jessica’s sisters, will run 5K everyday in May to raise funds in the memory of Florence who passed away in March at just 2-years-old.
Florence was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, a rare form of Epilepsy, at 11 months old and bravely managed the symptoms of the genetic condition. At diagnosis, Matt and Jessica were informed that Florence may never walk or talk as a result of the condition, however she defied those expectations to become a ray of sunshine in the family’s life.
Florence’s condition led to serious seizures that occurred throughout her life and on 11 March, 2023, Florence sadly passed away in a sudden unexpected death due to Epilepsy (SUDEP).
The Dunns have set a fundraising target of £10,000 and since the appeal was launched on Tuesday (4 April), they have already raised over £7,000 for Dravet Syndrome UK.
Dravet Syndrome UK are a charity dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by Dravet Syndrome through support, education and medical research. The charity supported Florence, and the Dunn family, throughout her life with the condition.
Dravet Syndrome UK is a rare neurological condition that affects around one in every 15,000 people in the UK. As well as experiencing severe, difficult-to-control seizures, children and adults with Dravet Syndrome have varying degrees of intellectual disability and a spectrum of associated conditions (known as ‘comorbidities’), which may include autism, ADHD, behaviours that challenge and difficulties with speech, mobility, eating and sleep.
Matt and Jessica said “Although nothing can compensate for the heartbreak of losing our daughter. We were blown away by the reaction of the community around us. As an enduring legacy we feel passionately about raising funds for families who are living through the same traumas as we did.
“With hope for a more positive future for families and individuals battling Dravet Syndrome. With the recent breakthroughs regarding genetic therapies and other current research being done there is certainly potential for an exciting future.”
If you want to support Matt and the family’s fundraising effort, you can donate here.
