I agreed to participate in Rough Runner (my first ever distance event) with my friend, Jenny, and learnt the lesson that you should always make sure you understand what you're signing up for before agreeing.... an obstacle race inspired by Gladiators, Total Wipeout and Ninja Warrior and even finishing with The Travelator should certainly be a challenge!! 

However, the cause is a very worthy one. In 2013 Jenny and her husband learned that their son James (then aged 6) had the serious, incurable, progressive muscle wasting condition - Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. In Jenny's words - "Many of our hopes and dreams for the future evaporated on that day. It came as a complete shock to us and is something that we have struggled and will continue to struggle to come to terms with.".

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a rare genetic disorder affecting approximately 1 in 2500 boys in the UK. It is caused by a lack of a protein called dystrophin. Dystrophin usually repairs the muscles when they become damaged, but James' muscles can't be repaired. Over time his muscles will deteriorate, beginning with the muscles in his legs and then moving to his arms, respiratory muscles and heart. He will lose the ability to walk and in the not too distant future will depend upon a wheelchair. He will also have a reduced life expectancy. At present there is no cure and no effective treatment for Duchenne.

Action Duchenne have been a big support to Jenny and her family, providing advice and information. They fund research towards the search for treatment and ultimately a cure. Scientists are confident that a treatment will be found for Duchenne over the next 10 years, but time is of the essence for James, as every day his muscles get weaker. 

Jenny and I will be running together on 21st July in the hope of raising as much money as possible for this very special cause. If you feel able to, please help James and families affected by Duchenne by sponsoring me for this challenge. Any little that you can donate would be really appreciated - it all adds up! Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Helen x

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