Frances Smailes, a woman from Northumberland who survived a rare genetic condition that almost killed her as a baby, is set to run the Great North Run for a Tyneside charity she first supported more than 30 years ago.
Surviving a genetic condition
Smailes was born with Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (MCAD), a condition that prevents the body from converting fat into energy and can cause sudden death in newborns. She took her first fundraising steps for The Children's Foundation in 1994 as a toddler, participating in the Yellow Brick Road campaign, which advocated for newborn genetic screening. Today, thanks in part to that campaign, the condition is screened for via the infant heel prick test offered to every baby born in the country.
Running for The Children's Foundation
Smailes decided to take on the Great North Run after a colleague spoke about their own baby being diagnosed with the same condition. She said: "It made us start looking back through old family photographs and newspaper cuttings and remembering everything we went through as a family. Seeing that The Children’s Foundation is still working hard to make a difference in the lives of children and families today made me think it was time to get the running shoes back on."
She added: "Running the Great North Run won't be easy. Because of my condition, I have to think carefully about fuelling and managing my energy levels. But it feels important to do it. This is my chance to give something back."
Family support
Smailes will run alongside her husband Guy, supported by her mother Alison. Reflecting on the diagnosis, Alison said: "When Frances was diagnosed, it was frightening. We knew something wasn't right, but we didn't know what. When we finally got answers, there was huge relief, but we also realised how serious the situation could have been."
She continued: "To see Frances now, healthy, happy and preparing to run the Great North Run is incredibly emotional. As a parent, you never forget those early years. Watching her do this makes me realise just how far she's come."
Sean Soulsby, chief executive of The Children's Foundation, said: "Frances' story is a wonderful example of why our work matters. The support, research and opportunities available to children today can have a lasting impact that stretches far beyond childhood." He added: "We're grateful to Frances and Guy for their support and for sharing such a powerful story."
