Kleine-Levin Syndrome is a rare disorder sometimes referred to as “Sleeping Beauty” Syndrome
Algarve resident Jeni Mendes and her friend Danielle Harris have embarked on a 420km run from London to Paris in an attempt to raise money for KLS Support UK, a charity that supports people suffering from Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS).
Danielle’s son fell unwell in 2011 and due to a lack of awareness by doctors of the illness it took until 2014 for him to obtain a proper diagnosis. KLS Support UK helped her obtain the diagnosis and gave her the emotional support needed. Danielle later became a trustee of KLS Support UK.
The run started on Saturday, March 25 and is taking place along the Avenue Verte route, with the dynamic duo of Jeni and Danielle due to arrive in Paris on Saturday, April 1 just in time to compete in the Paris Marathon, which begins on Sunday, April 2.
KLS is a rare disorder characterised by recurrent bouts of excessive sleep and associated with a reduced understanding of the world and altered behaviour.
KLS, sometimes referred to in the media as “Sleeping Beauty” Syndrome, usually starts during teenage years but can occur in younger children and even adults. Each episode can last days, weeks or even months, during which all normal daily activities stop as people become unable to care for themselves or attend school or work.
People with KLS coming out of an episode will have little or no memory of what happened during an episode. However, between episodes they have normal sleep, understanding and behaviour. KLS episodes may continue for 10 years or more.
For more information or to make a donation, visit ‘Danielle and Jeni’s fundraiser for KLS Support UK’ at www.justgiving.com
