THE mother of a Rett Syndrome sufferer in Walters Ash is calling for a greater public understanding of genetic disorders in children ahead of Jeans for Genes Day on Friday.

Fiona Harpum, of Greenwood, has a 15-year-old daughter, Jennifer, who is a severe sufferer from the genetic problem.

Rett Syndrome is a complex neurological disorder which mainly affects girls.

Although present at birth, it becomes more evident during the child's second year. Most people with Rett Syndrome are profoundly disabled and highly dependent on others for all their needs throughout life.

Mrs Harpum provides round-the-clock care for her daughter.

She said: "Although Jennifer is 15, in terms of development she is at about the same stage as a ten-month baby.

"Generally she is well and healthy but she can get quite poorly and needs constant care."

This Friday Jeans for Genes celebrates the tenth anniversary of their annual appeal for people to swap their normal work attire for a pair of jeans.

Through donations the scheme has raised more than £20million for research into genetic disorders.

Mrs Harpum has backed the Jeans for Genes campaign this year and will be giving talks to schools in the area about genetic disorders.

She said: "I think it is really great that we can raise awareness of what is going on.

"Nobody thinks it is going to happen to them. We all think it will be somebody else. It is a difficult subject but I think everyone should be aware of it."

To register for this year's appeal contact Jeans for Genes on 0800 9804800 or visit the website www.jeansforgenes.com for a fundraising pack.