Cri du Chat Syndrome ("cry of the cat" in French) is a genetic disorder caused by a missing section of the short arm of the 5th chromosome (5p minus, in medical terms).  This is why 5/5 (5th May) is the main awareness day.  

 

Cri du Chat syndrome can have a very varied level of disability ranging from mild to severe.  Currently it is estimated that there is approximately a 1 in 50,000 chance of anyone being born with the syndrome.

 

Jamie Sparkes (Chair of Friends of the School and Parent Governor) has a daughter, Poppy, who was diagnosed with CdC after her 20 week scan.  Poppy lives in Halewood with her mum Amy, dad Jamie and brothers, Harry and Toby.  Poppy has developmental delay and lifelong learning difficulties.  

 

Read more about Poppy's story at:

http://criduchat.org.uk/about/news/2014/04/26/our-story-sparkes-family.html

 

You can find more information at:

http://criduchat.org.uk/information/