By Community Correspondent Rashmi Parmar

A wave of blue denim has hit Hounslow schools and workplaces this month thanks to Jeans for Genes, a charity that raises money to support and fund research into genetic disorders.

For those not in the know, Jeans for Genes is a national charity in the UK and Australia, which hosts an annual fundraising day aptly called ‘Jeans for Genes Day’. On this day schoolchildren, teachers and ordinary office workers spend the day in their jeans, and donate a cash sum for the privilege.

And as the children learn through a variety of activities, it’s in a very good cause indeed. Over 4,000 known genetic disorders are present affecting 1 in 33 UK-born children; genetic disorders cause half of all childhood deaths in this country. Jeans for Genes has successfully enabled research into genetic disorders such as X-SCID, a disorder where there is no resistance to infections, and has supported families making their lives easier and happier.

Lampton School in Hounslow, which held their Jeans for Genes day on October 8th, have supported the charity for a number of years. Pupils, teachers and other members of staff spend a day looking smart-casual in their denims – and, with an approximate 1500 children and adults taking part, the school is set to raise a substantial amount for those with genetic disorders.

Sixth fomer Jatinder Chana says “I think everyone loves denim! But never mind Levis and Jasper Conran - this day is all about people with genetic disorders or those who develop the symptoms later in life.” She comments further, “It raises awareness for a good charity and everyone has fun dressing casual for a day. It also creates awareness to the genetic disorders that are out there.”

School teacher Mr Ibrahim Al-Tamimi states, “With most of our pupils and staff wearing jeans a lot of money is raised very quickly as there are so many of us! By supporting a charity like Jeans for Genes our students are educated to what genetic disorders actually are while they gain the comfort of being in their own clothes for the day.”

The charity has so far raised over £33 million and aims to fundraise a minimum of £3 million every year. With gathering support from schools its target of £3 million is achievable.

For more information visit: www.jeansforgenes.com