Spixworth mum walks coastal path for Rett Syndrome awareness

Donna Hunt’s daughter Danni was diagnosed with the disease which affects one in 10,000 girls in the UK every year at age five.  

Now 26 Danni has been left with lifelong disabilities from the disease.  

Symptoms can include seizures, irregular breathing patterns, irritability, unsteadiness and awkwardness when walking and loss of ability to use hands purposely – including other symptoms.    

Donna hopes by raising money and awareness they can reverse Rett for all affected (Image: Donna Hunt)READ MORE: Woman’s leaky house left in worse state following repairs

Since that time Donna has been educating people on what it is, and in recent years she has been excited to hear about a project to find a cure, which has had some very promising breakthroughs.  

Donna said: “The disease is so rare, no one has really heard of it.  

“With the gene therapy coming through and the first girl in the world who has had it doing very well, this felt like the perfect time to raise awareness and funds.” 

On Saturday Donna and a group of people set off from Hunstanton on a walk to Wells to raise money which will go towards finding the cure for Danni and all the other affected girls.  

Daughter Danni was waiting for them at the finish line (Image: Donna Hunt)READ MORE: City woman reveals the novel way she overcame her cancer diagnosis

Donna said: “We left about 5.30am. The wind was blowing, and it was dark.  

“After 10 hours of chatting, laughing, and sharing memories we completed 37km and made it to the finish line.  

“My princess Danni was waiting for us with a huge smile.” 

A total of £5,859 has been raised so far. Donna has also been asked to become a Rett ambassador where she will be able to continue with her passion for spreading the word about Rett syndrome, starting conversations, and ensuring more people are invested in the cure to reverse it.