A group of hikers will walk 60km in a day to raise money for the cure of a debilitating syndrome which effects one of their loved ones.

On May 11, Vincent Johnsson, whose six-year-old daughter Hannah suffers from Rett Syndrome, will be joined by 18 others as he struggle 60km across the Sussex Downs in less than 18 hours.

Hannah, from Mytle Road, Sutton, appeared to be entirely healthy for the first eighteen months of her life until subtle signs started to suggest that all was not well.

Mother Beth Johnsson said: "She began screaming for no discernible reason, her language stopped progressing, the unsteadiness of her walking did not disappear.

"Then the skills she had acquired started to fade: words were lost, fine motor skills deteriorated, she began to pull out her own hair."

Just before her third birthday, in February 2010, Hannah was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome.

Rett Syndrome is a postnatal neurological disorder which results in a range of severe dysfunctions and disabilities.

It is not hereditary and can happen to anyone. In 2007, Rett Syndrome was successfully reversed in mice models in the lab, meaning Rett to be the world’s first ever curable brain disorder.

On May 11, the hikers will all be walking to raise money for Rett Syndrome Research Trust UK. So far, they have raised 62 per cent of their team target of £15000, crucial funding which will take them a few steps closer to the ultimate goal of a cure for their girls.

To support Vincent’s walk go to www.justgiving.com/theRETTdirection or www.justgiving.com/teams/ReverseRettWalk.