A Rutland family is preparing to take on a gruelling Peak District Ultra Challenge to raise thousands of pounds for a charity funding groundbreaking treatments for a rare genetic condition affecting their daughter.

Ben Lashbrooke, 48, who lives near Oakham, will take on the 50km distance of the Peak District Ultra Challenge on 4-5 July 2026 alongside his 16-year-old son Finn and Ben's brother Barnaby, raising money for Reverse Rett.

The family is close to reaching £6,000 in fundraising.

The challenge is deeply personal for Ben, whose daughter Lottie was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome at the age of four.

The condition is a devastating neurological disorder that primarily affects girls, causing a loss of previously learned skills after a period of normal early development.

Ben said: "I can't rest until Lottie and thousands of children like her with Rett Syndrome have access to gene therapy.

"This is why I'm doing my third ultra in three years. By accelerating disease-modifying treatments for Rett Syndrome we can bring hope to all those affected."

Ben, a consultant doctor and aviation medicine specialist who previously served 16 years in the Royal Air Force, has been fundraising for Reverse Rett for more than a decade.

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He has taken part in Ultra Challenge events in each of the past three years, driven by a determination to help advance research into treatments for the condition.

He understands first-hand the importance of resilience, having suffered a stroke at the age of 31 which left him needing months of rehabilitation to relearn basic coordination, including how to walk in a straight line.

Now, he is channelling that same determination into raising awareness and funds for Rett Syndrome, while also playing a key role within the charity as a member of its Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, helping to shape its research priorities.

Lottie, who Ben describes as "a superstar", brings joy to everyone around her despite the challenges she faces. Her infectious smile, sense of humour and bravery have been a constant source of inspiration for the family.

Joining Ben this year is his son Finn, who, at just 16, will be one of the youngest participants in the Ultra Challenge.

Finn said: "I can't wait to tackle this 50k Ultra.

"My Dad has already done two Ultras and I'm so excited to be doing it with him. It's going to be hard but I'm doing it to raise money to help make my sister's life better."

As a family, they have seen a remarkable shift in the outlook for Rett Syndrome over the past decade. When they first began fundraising, treatment options were limited and long-term prospects uncertain.

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Now, thanks to organisations like Reverse Rett, gene therapy trials are underway and showing promising early results, offering hope of life-changing breakthroughs.

Reverse Rett is a patient advocacy and research organisation dedicated to delivering treatments for those affected by Rett Syndrome, with a focus on accelerating the development of gene therapies.

The Peak District Ultra Challenge will see thousands of participants take on distances of up to 100km through some of the UK's most demanding and scenic terrain. For Ben and his family, the 50km route represents both a physical test and a powerful opportunity to drive change.

With their fundraising total already nearing £4,000, the Lashbrooke family hopes their community in Rutland will rally behind them as they take on the challenge, helping to bring hope closer for Lottie and others living with Rett Syndrome.

Donations can be made via their JustGiving page, at www.justgiving.com/page/ben-lashbrooke-3