A Budleigh Salterton woman has taken part in the British 10k London race in memory of her daughter who died of a rare genetic condition

AN ENERGETIC Budleigh Salterton woman is taking a well-earned rest after taking part in a 10k run in memory of her daughter who died of a rare genetic condition.

Sally Richards, of Barns Road, run in the British 10K London race recently, to raise funds for the Society for Mucopolysaccharide Diseases – the condition which her daughter, Sophie, suffered from.

Sophie was diagnosed when she was one-year-old with mucopolysaccharidosis type 1 H. She died at the age of seven.

Mucopolysaccharide, also known as lysosomal storage diseases, are rare, life-threatening and progressive metabolic conditions, each caused by a shortage of a particular enzyme.

This deficiency means the body can’t break down certain molecules, called glycosaminoglycans.

Sally was joined by a number of her friends at the race. They have so far managed to raise more than �2,100 for the charity.

She said: “Having been plagued by injuries in the weeks leading up to the race, we were on the day down to four runners but happily the other three were there to cheer us on.

“The weather was unbelievably hot but the atmosphere and sheer volume of runners provided sufficient adrenalin to keep us going.

“Plus, running in London felt easy in comparison with Devon in terms of no hills!

The MPS Society helps support research into possible cures for Mucopolysaccharide diseases.

When Sally’s daughter was three, she took part in a clinical trial for a new treatment for two years.

“I am hopeful that, with all the research currently being undertaken, a complete cure for Sophie’s condition will be found during my lifetime,” Sally added.