A FAMILY with two children who suffer from a rare genetic disorder are staging a charity event to raise awareness of the condition.

The Smiths, from Leadgate, near Consett , County Durham, hope their sponsored toddle will help others affected by Fragile X Syndrome, a learning disability closely associated with autism.

Both three-year-old Daniel and Rosie, five, have full mutations of the condition, which was passed through the chromosomes of their mother, Sarah.

While Rosie, who is a carrier, is unaffected, apart from problems sleeping, Daniel has experienced severe problems in his development and has elongated physical features, which are common among sufferers.

Mrs Smith, 31, a former learning disabilities nurse, said: “I have gone through my life not knowing I was a pre-mutation carrier and had no idea until Daniel was about 13 months old when he was diagnosed by a paediatrician.

“Once Rosie was referred because of her sleep problems it turned out she was a full mutation carrier as well.

“They have the same diagnosis, but Rosie is a normal functioning little girl, apart from the shyness, which does come into it, but Daniel is severely affected.

“We would never have known about Rosie if it was not for her brother. It is very unusual.”

Rosie goes to Our Lady and St Joseph RC Primary School, in Leadgate, while Daniel attends the nursery at Villa Real Special School, in Consett.

Mrs Smith has set up the Fragile X Support Group County Durham, the only network for sufferers in the North-East, which meets on the last Wednesday of the month from 1.30pm to 3.30pm in Leadgate Sure Start Children’s Centre, in West Street.

The children’s father, Ian, 43, a mental health support worker said: “It has not been easy for us, but we want to raise awareness for other people who may be going through the same thing or may not have been diagnosed yet.”

The sponsored toddle will be held at Blackhill and Consett Park, on Saturday, October 13, at 10.30am and money raised will go towards the Fragile X Society.

For more information, email Mrs Smith at sasinfinland@hot mail.com or to make a donation go to justgiving.com/fx-toddle