In someone else's genes

For Julia and her husband Mark, 2003 was a particularly difficult year. Julia not only lost her son, but most of her memories of him too.

Julia and Mark’s son Harry was born with a rare genetic condition, that claimed his life at 19 months of age. A mistake in one of his genes caused failure of his cells' power-generating units (mitochondria), which results in an incredibly long list of problems that affect just about every organ in the body.

Two months after their son’s passing, Julia had corrective surgery for poorly controlled epilepsy. A tumour in Julia’s brain was successfully removed and her epilepsy is now under better control. However, Julia has severe problems with her short term memory.

Harry Wilkinson four months before he passed away.

Ask Julia any question about the precious few months she shared with her son and she must rely on associated memory – photographs, and the stories told to her by her husband – in order to tell you anything.   

Despite such a traumatic time, the Wilkinsons do not label themselves victims. With a lovely, healthy young daughter Molly, they realise how lucky they are. “We would like to help maximise the chance of the Harry's of the future enjoying our lucky lives themselves,” exclaims Mark.

The Wilkinsons are slowly making their way around the world to raise money in support of Jeans for Genes Day.

 
Julia, Molly and Mark Wilkinson in Cambodia earlier this year.

“The work that Children’s Medical Research Institute do is not only directly related to our family but is also so far reaching that it could one day help people of all ages no matter where they are in the world,” said Mark.

Your support of Jeans for Genes is a vital contribution towards the health of future generations of children like Harry, and mothers like Julia.

You can also support the Wilkinsons via Everyday Hero. All money raised by the Wilkinsons goes to Jeans for Genes and Children’s Medical Research Institute.