When I speak with my Max Appeal colleagues and the people I have met along the way I realise how fortunate we were when Chloe was born, in that our diagnoses of the 22q11 condition happened very soon after she was born. In my experience, when we meet and talk to new people, this is not always the case and people struggle to get their family member recognised as having the condition. This results in them fighting with, particularly, medical and education professionals to get the recognition and support they require for their child or family member. The early diagnosis is critical for the quality of life of any person touched by the condition and allows support to be enabled sooner. Max Appeal, and its founders, are totally dedicated to supporting families and professionals alike in facilitating this early diagnosis, and consequential support to improving the lives of those touched by 22q11. I am proud to be part of this support mechanism.

On an individual basis, I am a management professional who is proud of his engineering apprenticeship roots, I am still very active in promoting apprenticeships and the opportunities they bring for young people. Having spent the majority of my career in the manufacturing sector in Production and Training Management, I now work in Economic Development for Leeds City Council. I also volunteered as a school governor for a number of years when the kids were at school and It was during this time I was approached to become a trustee for Max Appeal and I am both pleased, and proud to be part of what it stands for.

We first engaged with Max Appeal some years ago as our thirst for knowledge about 22q11 and how it would impact on Chloe was insatiable, as Chloe moved through the different challenges life threw at her Max Appeal were always there for us. We attended the medical conferences and family meet ups where the people we met all provided us with information, knowledge and the support we needed when we needed it most. Chloe had a traumatic early life with several heart operations and infections where we were told she wouldn't make it. Her determination and inner strength is my inspiration and motivation, she takes what life throws at her and deals with it in her own little way and always manages to come through whatever. I am convinced this is somewhat due to the hard work of Max Appeal and their dedicated approach to improving life opportunities for those touched by the condition..... and also her being a very strong willed redhead!

I am always happy to be involved as a trustee and member of Max Appeal and look forward to meeting you all as we jointly work to provide opportunities through improving knowledge of the 22q11 condition.

Martin.
(June 18/updated June 20)