Care home’s Jeans for Genes Day raises funds for children with genetic disorders

A CARE home manager in Blyth invited her staff and residents to wear blue for the genes day to raise funds to support children with genetic disorders.

Ann Mielnik, who runs The Oaks Care Home, on Durban Street, was inspired to fundraise for charity Jeans for Genes Day by her seven-year-old great niece April.

April has been diagnosed with Emmanuel’s syndrome, a rare disorder that disrupts normal development, leading to weak muscle tone, difficulty gaining weight and growing at the expected rate.

Staff at the home made a donation to wear jeans and blue tops for the day and residents joined in by also wearing an item of blue clothing.

Blue cupcakes, drinks, and sweets were also on sale and helped raise £30 for the charity.

Ann said: “Staff, relatives and residents had not heard of this disease before and some tears were shed when they saw April’s photos of how beautiful she is.

“I can’t thank them enough for helping support and raise funds for the charity.”

Anyone who would like to donate to charity Jeans for Genes Day can do so via www.justgiving.com/jeansforgenes.