Jeans for Genes day: How can you get involved?

Annual fundraising campaign raises money for charities supporting children with genetic diseases

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Every September, the charity Genetic Disorders UK runs its annual fundraising campaign, Jeans for Genes Day, to support children with genetic disorders and their families.

It is estimated that one in 25 children is affected by a genetic disorder, of which there are roughly 6,000 different types. 

Genetic disorders can be caused by a mutation in one gene, or multiple mutations in multiple genes.

As Jeans for Genes Day begins on Monday 14 September, here’s everything you need to know about what you can do to support.

What is Jeans for Genes Day?

Launched in 1992, Jeans for Genes Day is the annual fundraising event organised by the charity Genetic Disorders UK to support children with genetic disorders.

It takes place from Monday 14 September until Sunday 20 September.

Since its inception, Jeans for Genes has raised more than £40 million to help children with genetic disorders.

How can you take part?

You can take part in the event in various ways. The Jeans for Genes Day website has plenty of resources for those who want to raise money for the event either at school or in their workplace.

Typically, those supporting the event will wear a pair of denim jeans for the day while taking part in a number of fundraising activities, such as bake sales or raffles.

However, given that we are in the midst of a pandemic, fundraising activities will be more limited this year.

Hence why the charity is providing bespoke fundraising packs for those wanting to support the campaign that include tips on virtual and home-based ways to raise money and educate people about genetic disorders.

Click here for more information on the resources that Jeans for Genes Day can offer to support your fundraising.

How does the campaign support children with genetic disorders?

Money raised by the Jeans for Genes Day campaign will fund the work of Genetic Disorders UK and provide grants to organisations for projects that aim to transform the lives of children with genetic disorders.

The charity funds a lot of research into various genetic disorders, too, such as Acrodysostosis, a rare genetic disorder that affects multiple parts of the body and can result in skeletal issues, hearing loss, and developmental delay.

How do genetic disorders affect the body?

Depending on which genetic disorder you have, it can have a major impact on your bodily functions.

Some are apparent at birth but others can be diagnosed at different stages throughout childhood, and sometimes into adolescence.

Examples include Pfeiffer syndrome, which affects the development of the skull, adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency, which can make it impossible to walk or talk, and Treacher Collins syndrome, which is when someone is born without a jaw, cheekbones, or ears.

You can learn more about Genetic Disorders UK here.