This year, our Chistmas Countdown Appeal will share family stories to highlight the unique challenges of living with or caring for someone affected by a rare genetic condition. Our aim is not only to raise crucial funds to support families living with a rare genetic condition but also to spread awareness of the various ways The Sandcastle Trust works to support the emotional well-being of the rare genetic condition community.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference this festive season 🎄✨

What the Sandcastle Trust does: The Sandcastle Trust walks alongside families on their rare genetic condition journey offering a range of impactful emotional health and well-being initiatives including counselling, respite opportunities, creative activities, and spaces to make connections with others in similar situations.

Why The Sandcastle Trust are needed: There are approximately 6,000 diagnosed genetic conditions. Each affects less than 0.1% of the UK’s population, but together they are one of the greatest causes of disability and early death and affect the lives of 3 million people in the UK. Many are life limiting, all are life-changing. Living with a rare genetic condition or caring for a loved one that has a diagnosis can be incredibly emotionally demanding with people feeling isolated, anxious, burnt out, and in some cases experiencing mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts. Tragically, a recent study by Birmingham University found that 41% of parents in England who have a child with long-term illness or disability have thought about suicide while caring for their child.

This Christmas, please consider donating to our Christmas Countdown Appeal. Your contribution, no matter the size, will help us support even more families living with a rare genetic condition.

Meet Samuel and his family to see how your generosity can make a real impact: