MEF2C Foundation
💙 My Story – Lorena & the MEF2C Foundation UK
Hi, I’m Lorena, a mum from Skelmanthorpe, West Yorkshire. I started running at 37—not because I loved it, but because I needed to do something. My son Elijah was diagnosed with MEF2C Haploinsufficiency Syndrome, a rare and life-limiting genetic condition. He’s five years old but can’t walk, talk, or sit up on his own. Every day is a challenge, but also a fight for hope.
That fight led me to co-found the MEF2C Foundation UK. We’re a small charity with a big mission: to raise awareness and fund research that could lead to a treatment. It’s a race against time, and running has become my way of pushing forward—physically, emotionally, and for Elijah’s future.
🏃♀️ Why I’m Looking for a Sponsor
I’m looking for a brand that believes in purpose, not perfection. I may not have a large personal following, but I’m part of a global community of MEF2C families and advocates who are united by a shared mission. I run races across the UK to raise awareness and funds, and I’d love to do that while proudly representing a brand that shares our values.
🤝 What I Can Offer
Real, heartfelt storytelling – I speak from experience and connect with people who care about family, resilience, and making a difference.
Community reach – Through the MEF2C Foundation and our global network, our message reaches families, researchers, and supporters around the world.
Brand visibility – Whether it’s through races, local events, or media features like Run For All, I’ll proudly represent your brand and mission.
Cause marketing opportunities – We can collaborate on campaigns where a portion of proceeds supports MEF2C research.
🎯 What We’re Working Toward
We’ve already helped raise over $500,000 globally to fund research in the U.S., and we’re now focused on raising £400,000 to support the next phase: preparing for clinical trials. Every step I take is for Elijah—and for the other children and families affected by this condition.
If you’re a brand that believes in strength through struggle, and in using sport to create real change, I’d love to hear from you.
Let’s run this race together.
— Lorena
Target Audience
Our story and mission resonate with a broad, emotionally engaged audience that spans both the running and rare disease communities. Here’s a breakdown of the key demographics:
Gender: Mixed, with a strong appeal to women aged 30–50 (especially mothers and carers), as well as men aged 25–45 who are active in running and charity events.
Age Range: Primarily 25–55, with a focus on parents, health-conscious individuals, and socially aware professionals.
Demographic Profile: ABC1 – educated, community-minded, and values-driven individuals who are likely to support charitable causes and family-focused initiatives.
Interests:
Running, fitness, and wellness
Parenting and family life
Rare disease awareness and advocacy
Community and charity involvement
Our supporters are not just spectators—they’re emotionally invested in stories of resilience, family, and purpose. They’re the kind of people who show up, donate, share, and care.
Key Dates and Timings
Ongoing
Specific Opportunity Details
I’m seeking sponsorship to support two key areas of my work with the MEF2C Foundation UK:
Ongoing participation in running events across the UK to raise awareness and funding for MEF2C research.
Organising family meet-ups and support gatherings for UK-based parents and carers of children with MEF2C Haploinsufficiency Syndrome.
🏃♀️ Running Events
So far this year, I’ve completed:
Leeds Half Marathon
Leeds 10K
Ilkley Half Marathon
I’m currently training for the York Marathon in October, with more events planned into 2026. These races are not just personal milestones—they’re platforms to share our story, represent the foundation, and advocate for families like mine.
👨👩👧👦 Family Support & Community Building
We’re also working to bring together MEF2C families across the UK—many of whom feel isolated due to the rarity of the condition. With the right support, we hope to host family days, informal meet-ups, and peer support sessions where parents can share their journeys, build connections, and find strength in community.
📣 Audience & Reach
Global MEF2C community: Hundreds of families across the UK, US, and Europe
Foundation-led campaigns: Over $500,000 raised globally for research
Media exposure: Featured by Run For All
Social media: Modest personal following, but growing visibility through the foundation and charity networks
🤝 Why Partner With Us
Your sponsorship would help:
Cover race entry fees, travel, and branded gear for events
Fund venue hire, refreshments, and materials for family gatherings
Raise your brand’s profile through meaningful, purpose-driven storytelling
Align your business with a cause that’s heartfelt, urgent, and community-focused
Together, we can raise awareness, build community, and bring hope to families navigating life with a rare condition.
Features and Benefits
As a sponsor, you’ll be supporting a cause that’s heartfelt, community-driven, and globally connected. While our personal social media following is modest (under 1,000), our impact is amplified through strong partnerships with other rare disease charities and the international MEF2C community.
Here’s what you can expect as part of the sponsorship package:
🎽 Branding & Visibility
Logo placement on race-day running gear, banners, and printed materials
Brand mentions in media features, charity newsletters, and event recaps
Visibility at family events and community meet-ups across the UK
📣 Promotional Opportunities
Shoutouts and tags on our social media and through partner charity networks
Inclusion in foundation newsletters and fundraising updates
Co-branded campaigns (e.g. “Miles for MEF2C” or “Run for Rare”)
👨👩👧👦 Community Engagement
Recognition as a community partner supporting rare disease families
Opportunities to attend or support family meet-ups and awareness events
Direct connection with families and advocates across the UK and globally
🎁 Product & Experience Integration
Product sampling or giveaways at family events or races
Hospitality opportunities at select events (e.g. meet-and-greet, photo ops)
Custom content opportunities (e.g. branded blog posts, video stories)
Other Partners
None, currently
Investment
🥇 Gold Sponsor – £2400+
Ideal for brands seeking maximum visibility and long-term impact.
Includes:
Logo on all race-day gear and banners
Featured sponsor on MEF2C UK website and newsletters
Dedicated social media posts and thank-you video
Opportunity to speak or present at a family event
Product sampling or promotional material at events
Co-branded fundraising campaign (e.g. “Miles for MEF2C powered by [Your Brand]”)
Be our official sponsor for our Sellebrity Soccer Annual football match which often includes multiple press features and celebrity attendance.
🥈 Silver Sponsor – £750–£1,499
Great for businesses looking to support both awareness and community-building.
Includes:
Logo on race-day gear and printed materials
Mention in newsletters and social media posts
Opportunity to provide branded giveaways at events
Recognition at family meet-ups and awareness days
🥉 Bronze Sponsor – £250–£749
Perfect for local businesses or first-time sponsors.
Includes:
Logo on select printed materials or signage
Social media thank-you post
Option to provide small product samples or flyers at events
🤝 In-Kind/Contra Sponsorship
For brands offering products, services, or promotional support.
Examples:
Branded running gear or event signage
Venue space or catering for family gatherings
Marketing or media support
Product donations for giveaways
Other Info
We are a small but incredibly committed community. In just two years, we’ve made extraordinary progress—bringing a potential lab-ready treatment for MEF2C Haploinsufficiency Syndrome to the brink of clinical readiness. For a condition as rare and under-researched as this, that’s nothing short of remarkable.
Our drive comes from love, urgency, and the belief that no child should be left behind because their condition is rare. As we continue to push this breakthrough treatment through the complex regulatory landscape, we expect growing attention from media outlets, researchers, and the wider rare disease community.
By supporting us now, you’re not just helping a parent-run charity—you’re helping accelerate a medical breakthrough and giving families hope where there was once none. Your sponsorship will help us keep up the momentum, raise awareness through running events, and bring MEF2C families together to share their journeys and find strength in each other.
This is your chance to be part of something truly meaningful, at a pivotal moment in our journey.