I am running the Kielder 10K to raise funds for research into finding a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which affects both my sons, aged 6 and 9 years old. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a severe, life-limiting condition which causes progressive muscle weakness, starting in the legs, then affecting the rest of the body, including the heart and breathing muscles. My oldest son lost the ability to walk when he was 8 and uses a power wheelchair to get around. My youngest is still walking but will find it increasingly more difficult as his muscles weaken.

There is no cure for this genetic condition, which is caused by a gene abnormality on the X chromosome, which prevents dystrophin, a protein necessary for muscles to function, from being produced. Duchenne MD is a rare genetic condition which affects 1 in every 3,500 male births. There are about 2,500 boys and young men with the condition living in the UK at any one time.

I am running to raise money so that vital research can be funded into discovering different therapies and possible drug treatments, which could help my boys have a brighter future. The money will go towards the Duchenne Research Breakthrough fund which is funding vital research into the treatment of Duchenne.

I am determined to help find a treatment or cure for this devastating disease.

Please support me and my boys, and lets make a better future for all the boys and young men living with Duchenne.

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