A FAMILY who have been fighting Von Hippel Lindue disease (VHL) for 10 years are determined to raise awareness for disease which is incurable.

Michelle Thompson told how her sister-in-law, Linzie, was diagnosed with VHL, a condition which causes benign and cancerous tumours to grow on internal organs, 10 years ago. 

Linzie’s three children also have VHL and they have to be scanned regularly for tumours. But the family want to raise as much awareness for the condition 

Michelle explained: “It all started 10 years ago when my sister-in-law was diagnosed with Von Hippel Lindue disease (VHL) . 

“No one knew what it was as the disease is so rare. My nephew Jack was diagnosed when he was five, my niece Cerys was four and my other nephew Arran was just seven weeks old.”

Since 2008 the family have been trying to raise awareness for VHL and have completed the West Highland Way and organised charity football matches.

Michelle added: “ Linzie herself along with her husband Chris, my husband Jordan other family and friends walked the West Highland Way two years ago just nine weeks after Linzie’s brain surgery.

“Last year Jacks lost the sight in his left eye and could possibly lose all sight in his right eye as well through the tumours. 

“Along with various events such as a race night we are holding on June 1, the boys all pay a donation to play in a mini charity league of football and in four months we raised £4,000 for our campaign #jack2dubai. My nephew’s dream was to go to Dubai and we were determined to make this happen.”

The league was only ment to be a one-off however they have carried it on hoping to raise more awareness.  

Michelle added: “Linzie is a warrior and so are all the kids. They take everything in their stride and it never gets them down.”