HALF-MARATHON EFFORT FOR CAUSE CLOSE TO HER HEART

A TEESSIDE NHS worker is taking on the Great North Run for a charity close to her heart.

- By ANNETTE BELCHER Reporter

Jayne Headland will be pounding the streets next weekend to help the Heel and Toe charity, which provides therapies to children with disabilities.

The 39-year-old mum said: "My daughter, Paige, has a very rare genetic disorder, and accesses therapy through the charity, including physio on horseback - which is truly amazing.

"Her body is usually very stiff, and she finds it difficult to move, but the movement of the horse helps to relax and stabilise her muscles. It's fantastic and she loves it."

Paige, six, suffers from a range of medical issues including decreased muscle tone, spasticity causing stiff muscles and some global developmental delays.

Jayne and her family struggled for years to find out what was wrong, but test after test came back clear until Paige was diagnosed with CTNNB1 syndrome last year.