Today is #RareDiseaseDay and a chance to raise awareness for those with rare neurological conditions. It is also the anniversary of the launch of the fund for Rare Dementia Support.

In just one year, we have exceeded our initial target of £100k and we can now look ahead to a future of even greater fundraising and the opportunity to extend the support service further.

Thank you to all of our fantastic fundraisers for helping us move one step closer to achieving our aim of access to support for all individuals with or at risk of a rare form of dementia.

Find out more here about fundraising for Rare Dementia Support. To make a donation or set up a fundraising page click here.

Following on from his special, charity performance at the Vaudeville Theatre of his hit show My Family-Not the Sitcom with all proceeds being split between the Rare Dementia Support fund, Alzheimer's Society and Unforgettable, David Baddiel has officially come on board as a headliner.

You may also have seen David's recent BBC programme, The Trouble with Dad, a documentary that shows the struggles faced by David and his brothers as his father's FTD progresses.

If you would like to attend the FTD Annual Seminar this week on Thursday 2 March and haven't already registered, email to sign up for a place. Tickets cost £10 for family members, and all proceeds go to the fund for Rare Dementia Support. More information on the programme here.

This year, Mark Bentley and Joanna Smith are running the Virgin Money London Marathon for Rare Dementia Support.

Mark (pictured above with wife Marie) chose to run for Rare Dementia Support because his wife was diagnosed with Progressive Semantic Dementia in 2015 and she has attended many of the support group meetings which have been of great comfort and very informative. Want to sponsor Mark? Click here.

Jo is running because her mum was diagnosed with FTD in June 2014, aged just 64. She says, 'I've watched helplessly as my mum's personality has changed beyond recognition and, as the condition has progressed, how she is now unable to do basic tasks, doesn't recognise family and requires around the clock care.' You can sponsor Jo here.

For more events, personal stories and how you can get involved, please visit
www.nationalbrainappeal.org, or follow us @brainappeal and fb/TheNationalBrainAppeal

Theresa, Marcelle, Louise, Brooke, Laura, Cara, Leigh and Tina