IFA raises profile of rare condition and other good news this week

Adviser promotes awareness of genetic condition

Rowley Turton director Scott Gallacher has gone above and beyond to promote a cause close to his heart.

Gallacher's two sons Ryan, 16, and Daniel, 14, both have a form of Ectodermal Dysplasia (ED) - a genetic condition characterised by a reduced ability to sweat, missing teeth and fine, sparse hair.

As a trustee on the ED Society, the Leicester-based adviser created a video to explain the condition and set up a fundraising page for the group. 

Gallacher explained he first noticed symptoms in his eldest son when he was a baby.

"He'd refuse to go in his mum's car when it was hot. His grandparents looked after him when his mum and I were at work and I'd have to go over and pick him up in my air-conditioned car. Initially we just put this down to the car being hot but we soon realised that there was something else going on as he also laid on cold floor tiles when it was warm at home, which I hadn't seen other toddlers do," he said.

"When by two he still hadn't got his teeth and looking up the symptoms online we found a photo of boys with a genetic condition called Ectodermal Dysplasia (ED) and they looked so similar to our son they could have been his brothers."

Gallacher added: "ED is not a single disorder, but a group of over 150 closely related genetic conditions."

A visit to a geneticist confirmed Ryan had Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (HED), which can be challenging but does not affect life expectancy, intelligence or his ability to lead a normal life.

As part of ED awareness month this June, Gallacher and the ED Society are encouraging people to learn more about the condition and think of way to use their skills to help people affected by it.

Financial planner helps local charity

Hampton Wick-based Chartered advice firm Holland Hahn & Wills have recently donated to a local charity that helps vulnerable people in the borough of Kingston.

Holland Hahn & Wills donated to Love Kingston, which is running a Covid-19 crisis appeal to assist people experiencing isolation and hardship during the pandemic. 

The firm is also hosting virtual afternoon tea parties with the local community during lockdown.

Love Kingston director Miranda Jaggers said she was "bowled over" when Holland Hahn & Wills managing partner Chris Hirsch told her about the donation and virtual meetings.

"It's a brilliant idea and I look forward to taking part and meeting staff and clients at a future Virtual Afternoon Tea," she said.

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