Polly's Kettle is a 36 foot cruiser/racer that we will be racing in the annual Round The Island Race.  We are raising money for the TSA again this year and the crew is Simon, Peter and Adrian Law, Andrew Button, Paul Browning and Mark Gillett

Tuberous Sclerosis Association
The TSA  offers support, advice and specialist advisers to those affected by Tuberous Sclerosis (TS) and their families, and runs clinics and conducts research into this relatively rare genetic condition. 

Simon & Peter's nephew, Adrian's son was diagnosed with TS aged nine months, and now aged four is making small but for him significant progress thanks to the dedication of his parents, who in turn have leant heavily on the association.  Since I wrote this page last year, he has come out of his own world and will look us in the eye, smile at us and be very cheeky!  He has yet to develop any language, but we remain ever hopeful.

TS is a devastating genetic disorder that disrupts how the brain works, often causing severe mental retardation. Even in mild cases, learning disabilities and short-term memory problems are common. Half of all TS patients also suffer from autism and epilepsy. The disorder strikes one in 6,000 people.  Being a relatively rare condition, it is under-researched with no clear and agreed treatment methodology.  Despite the genuine best advice of doctors, this leaves parents in the invidious position of making decisions that could determine whether or not their child learns to walk, to speak or to communicate ... all on a subject the parents do not really understand.

The TSA is there to provide help and advice, particularly in those first few heartbreaking weeks of trying to learn about a condition you have never heard of.  It was invaluable to Adrian and his wife, and in turn they now help those still at the early stages.

It isn't high profile, and does not have endowments like the larger charities, so it genuinely needs your help to operate.

If you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor us now!