Dear Editor,

Being diagnosed with a condition that is practically unheard of by many can make life very hard. While many of your readers probably know about behavioural, social and learning problems such as Dyslexia, ADHD and Asperger Syndrome, I am sure relatively few are familiar with Dyspraxia.

Experiencing difficulties such as walking up and down the stairs, getting dressed, tying shoelaces, forming relationships and an inability to remember more than two or three instructions at once are all part and parcel of living with dyspraxia. It is thought two children are affected in every class of 30 and it is not a condition that you simply grow out of.

However, because it is not an 'obvious' disability, there is a real lack of general understanding and as such many living with the condition can feel left out, isolated and suffer at the hands of bullies.

Since finding out about the condition and the very real implications it can have on daily life for those affected, I am proud to be supporting the Dyspraxia Foundation's national awareness week, Dyspraxia: Making Sense of it All (27th Sept – 4th Oct). The week-long campaign seeks to ensure the condition and those affected by it receive the recognition and support they deserve.

I am urging all your readers who suspect that they or a family member may have dyspraxia, or are showing some of the symptoms, not to suffer in silence but to visit the charity's website: www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk or call the helpline on: 01462 454 986. While there is no cure for dyspraxia, there are many coping techniques and positive steps that can be taken to make like easier and I urge people to take action today.

What's more, the charity is also launching a special competition during the awareness week -'Reach for the Stars!' - to recognise and reward those who have achieved something truly exceptional despite living with dyspraxia. For more information on how to enter, please visit www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk .

Yours sincerely

Jon Lee West End Star and former member of S-Club 7