Former City midfielder running London Marathon for charity
Former Exeter City midfielder Bertie Cozic is deep into training for this year’s London Marathon, where he will be raising money for Rett UK.As well as being a serious race for elite athletes, the London Marathon is mostly comprised of amateurs and fun-runners that use the opportunity to fundraise for causes that are close to their hearts. This year's event takes place on Sunday 26th April.
And Bertie, who played over 100 times for the Grecians during his five-year stint with the club (and moved to St James Park from Team Bath, where Paul Tisdale had been his manager) is raising cash to help out the only charity who provide professional support to people living with Rett syndrome across the UK.
Bertie’s daughter Lily-Rose, now three years old, was diagnosed with the condition just over a year ago. She appeared to be healthy and be growing normally, but after it was noted that she was a late walker and spoke very little, she was given genetic testing and she was found to have Rett syndrome.
Rett syndrome occurs almost exclusively in girls. It is a lifelong neurological disorder which affects around 1 in 12,000 girls in every aspect of their lives, and by consequence their family as well. Symptoms include stagnation of development followed by regression, stiff and clumsy posture, repetitive hand movements and can also include breathing irregularities, epilepsy and scoliosis.
With the latest fundraising campaign being fronted by Coleen Rooney, whose sister died from the condition aged 14, as well as comedian Adam Hills pledging his support, Rett UK are making an impact.
The ambition of Rett UK is ultimately to find a cure for the condition. However in the meantime the organisation is making a real difference to the lives of those affected by the condition by providing professional support and guidance.
It will be a long, hard 26 miles for Bertie next month – but with every step he takes Rett UK are a step closer to finding a cure.
If you would like to donate, you can do this online via Bertie’s Just Giving page: justgiving.com/bertrand-cozic