Alison has 3 teenage boys, one of them with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS). Although he is non-verbal, they have a very loud and chaotic house.

Alison has lived in London for over 20 years and previously worked in finance, organising conferences. She now runs Walk & Talk sessions on Hampstead Heath for parents with disabled children.

Alison has found a lot of support through the families in the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome community and feels it is great to be able to share stories, ideas and learn from each other’s experiences.

E-mail: alisonturner@pmsf.org.uk

Katie lives in Berkshire with her husband Tom and two daughters Bella and Sophia.

Her eldest, Bella, has Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. Born in 2011, Bella was diagnosed when she was 5. She has a small deletion, leading to learning difficulties and speech delay, although extremely sociable and chatty now! Bella is an absolute fashion queen and also loves swimming and gym classes with her family.

Having studied Neuroscience at King’s College, Katie is interested in all the latest research into PMS and child development.

E-mail: katiegreed@pmsf.org.uk

Natalie is a teacher and careers programme co-ordinator at an independent girls school in Bolton. She is a mum of two energetic boys, William & George.

Natalie became aware of PMSF UK when a close school friend’s son was diagnosed with PMS when he was a baby. Natalie has made it her goal to fundraise for the charity and raise awareness of the syndrome.

Most of Natalie’s free time is spent in Abersoch in her caravan with her boys, husband Chris and their black Labrador Luna. She also loves cooking and entertaining for her family and friends when she can.

Email: nataliejames@pmsf.org.uk

Natalie has three children, two girls and a boy. Her youngest daughter has Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. Life can be challenging, but also incredibly rewarding, with every milestone, no matter how small bringing immense joy.

Her daughter loves music, singing and dancing, and her happiness and enthusiasm bring so much light to their home. 

Natalie has lived in Lincolnshire all her life and spent 20 years as a Retail Manager before travelling the world with her family for three years. She now works as a Corporate Fundraising and Events Coordinator at St Andrew’s Hospice in Grimsby and also runs her own event planning business.

Natalie joined PMSF UK following her daughter’s diagnosis in 2023 and found great comfort in the support and shared experiences of others, with the kindness of her local regional rep making a meaningful difference. She is passionate about offering that same support to other families.

E-mail: natalielingard@pmsf.org.uk

Tanith lives in Birmingham with her husband Darren and son Harrison who has Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS). He is non-verbal but they have a very loud and musical home, the kitchen is for dancing!

Tanith has worked in the hospitality industry for over 25 years. She has experience in events planning and administration. She loves country music and festivals.

Since 2013 she has been part of the PMS community and has found the charity huge support through the social media platforms and family days.

E-mail: tanithsherwood@pmsf.org.uk

Lynda White is grandmother to five boys and three girls; one of her grandsons has Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. Both Lynda and her husband live in the West Midlands.

After a 30-year career in secondary education where she was a SENCO and assistant head teacher, and a spell as a career services manager she is now retired.

A keen printmaker Lynda enjoys creating her own prints as well as collecting works by contemporary artists. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends, visiting art exhibitions and reading.

E-mail: lyndawhite@pmsf.org.uk