In the run-up to Christmas (between 13th and 24th December) we bring you a different charity that needs your help at this time of year, as part of our dedicated 12 Charities of Christmas campaign…
BBS UK
Bardet Biedl Syndrome is a rare genetic condition which affects approximately 700 people in the UK, with only six people affected in Scotland.
The main symptoms include:
- Visual Impairness from an early stage leading to blindness usually by teenage years
- Obesity
- Development delays
- Kidney abnormalities and heart abnormalities.
BBS UK is the only registered UK charity providing support to BBS families and carers.
The charity survives off of an extremely small budget per year and is run by volunteers. Its main aim is to offer support to BBS families and carers, and also to raise awareness of this extremely rare condition.
Research into gene therapy is well underway at Great Ormand Street and this could help prevent the sight loss element of the syndrome. Human trials are expected to begin in two or three years, which is extremely exciting news for all BBS families.
Donate to BBS UK and find out more.
This feature is brought to you as part of our 12 Charities of Christmas campaign and has been sponsored by:
Kilmac
Kilmac’s Contracts Manager Liam Willkie’s daughter, Caitlin Wilkie (aged 7), is one of the ones affected in Scotland, with Kilmac and all its employees supporting her every step of the way through her day-to-day struggles.
Kilmac is a civil engineering contractor based in Tayside. It employs over 120 people carrying out construction projects throughout Scotland.
The company was formed in 2004 by Richard Kilcullen and Athole McDonald. Both directors are civil engineers and have worked together since 1988. The aim when they started the business was to dominate the medium sized civils market.
