In 2005, McLoughlin officially launched the countdown to the national Jeans for Genes Day in celebration of the appeal’s 10th birthday. She said: “I can’t wait to wear my jeans on Friday. My little sister Rosie has Rett syndrome, so I know how important research is. Please join in!” McLoughlin’s sister suffers from the genetic condition. The Rett Syndrome Association is one of the benefiting charities of Jeans for Genes Day 2005.