Max Appeal! is a UK registered charity supporting families affected by DiGeorge syndrome, VCFS and 22q11.2 deletion

"They (Max Appeal) have been a God send to me through the statement process, especially when you have strangers telling you they know your child better than you do, its reassuring to read others stories on here, it seems to give a bit of empowerment. Just received the draft statement, and he was awarded 25 hours of 1to1 help and that he needed a high level of adult support. The final statement is due at the end of July. Quite a good result at our end, I was expecting it to be a nightmare, but when you are armed with facts it makes it much easier."

Forthcoming Events

• 6th July 2013 to 7th July 2013

  Fun Run- Peak District Challenge
• 15th September 2013

  Great North Run

Latest News

• Crumball Rally
  Two fundraisers from Derby are embarking on a 2,500 mile journey in a banger to raise money for charity. David Reeves (24) and Mark Sandercock (39), from Sinfin, will be taking part in a once in a lifetime event which will see them drive along some of the locations used in the original The Italian Job film.

• Birmingham Half Marathon, Sunday 20 October 2013
  Max Appeal has secured 25 guaranteed charity places in the Great Birmingham Run on 20th October respectively.

• Great North Run, Sunday 15 September 2013
  Max Appeal has secured 25 guaranteed charity places in the Great North Run. Entry fee is £49.00. You can secure a place by completing the entry form attached and returning either via e-mail or posting to'Freepost Max Appeal'. Entry fees can be paid via cheque made payable to 'Max Appeal' or direct to our bank at CAF Bank, sort code 40-52-40, account number 00016137.

• Fun Run- Peak District Challenge, Saturday 06 July 2013
  Another challenge... but in a beautiful setting! Enjoying the view will make you feel less out of breat... no really!

• Youth Activity Weekend, Friday 07 June 2013
  We're all set for a wonderful time at Cranham Scout Centre in Gloucester this weekend... the weather is all set to be blazing hot and generally glorious. That means that everyone will enjoy the BBQ on Saturday night. Simon has got a fabulous line up of activities... watch this space for how it all goes!

• BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour
  Max Appeal members Caroline and Lucina took part in the BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour programme. Caroline spoke about the difficulties in getting a diagnosis of 22q DS. Many parents share the same concerns. We hope the Consensus Document will help to raise awareness of the condition, 22q DS.

• Institute of Psychiatry looking for brain study volunteers
  Institute of Psychiatry are looking for willing volunteers for their brain study. Clodagh Murphy is a name that some of you will recognise, she is a big supporter of Max Appeal and keen as mustard on 22q. Advancing studies is an important way to improve knoweldge of the condition, so please do sign up if you can. Thank you! Click on the image to make it appear in full size.

• Spreading the word about our new Consensus Document.
  Mark Tripp has been working hard to ensure lots of people have heard about 22q DS. Mark came along to the House of Commons launch in April and he is in touch with his MP, Alistair Burt who has also become familiar with the problems many parents encounter when accessing support for their child.

• 22q at the Zoo 2013
  Around 300 people enjoyed a great awareness day at their nearest venue, and there were 7 of those around the UK for Max Appeal. It was really great to see loads of red t-shirts, red badges saying "Ask me about 22q" and the zebra toys at our zoo... and we're really looking forward to making next years even bigger. Pictures will be in the next newsletter.

• Launch of UK National Consensus for 22qDS at House of Commons
  Max Appeal launch of the UK National Consensus for 22q deletion at House of Commons 15th April 2013.. what a great event. Loads of THANK YOUs; first off: Margot James MP for Stourbridge for sponsoring the Max Appeal event, she is a great supporter of Max Appeal!

• QR code
  This was a deffo "must have" for us... though it seems a bit daft putting it up on the web site really, when the object of a qr code is that people 'scan' them (and you'll need an app for that!) with their smartphone which then directs their phone browser automatically to that web site. So clever isn't it? Doesn't it look lovely?

• Special Max Appeal Phone Number 0300 999 2211
  Ofcom recently made a new set of pre-fix telephone numbers available for public bodies and not-for-profit organisations ie charities, so you know when you see the number begining with 0300 it is genuine. We have been able to obtain 0300 (charity Pre-fix) 999 (help) 2211 (twenty two one one) for Max Appeal. The other benefit to you is that it charged at standard call rates, so are covered if you have a call package with your mobile phone compnay, whereas 0800 numbers are premium for mobiles. We think this is pretty cool!

• Qiz Night in Clent Worcs.
  Great Quiz Night at Clent Village Hall, nr Stourbridge in Worcestershire. The Farmer family organised this event for Max Appeal as their son, Tom aged 3 years, has recently been diagnosed with 22q deletion. This amazing family have raised a whopping amount of cash for Max Appeal... and we had a really good evening too, might have come second if we'd listened to the youngest Max Appeal team member! Thank you!!

• Running Challenges for 2013
  Are you looking for a running challenge this year? Max Appeal has a number of places in the Great North Run, 15th September and the Great Birmingham Half Marathon, 20th October, 2013. Contact Paul@maxappeal.org.uk for further details. Check out the link below for a variety of running events around the country;

• More News