I attended a Westminster reception to raise awareness of a rare genetic condition following the work of a local charity – Max Appeal.
I attended a reception held by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for 22q11 or Di-George syndrome in the House of Commons recently.
22q11 can cause a range of lifelong problems, including heart defects and learning difficulties – but some may grow up without ever realising they have it.
Max Appeal, run by my constituent Julie Wooton, acts as the APPG’s secretariat.
I was previously Chair of the APPG but had to resign her position due to her appointment to the government.
The APPG’s aim is to raise awareness of the condition and to lobby the government for prenatal screening.
I would like to thank Julie for her continued dedication to raising awareness of 22q11.
The work of the APPG is important in making sure ministers are aware that this condition can be spotted through screening and I remain committed to it even though I can no longer be the chair.
At the event, a wide range of topics were discussed, including updating the Max Appeal ‘Consensus Document’.
The event was also attended by Health Minister Maria Caulfield, who offered to meet the charity in the future to help support its work.
