I am taking part in the London Marathon as I know of a littleboy called Harry Barnley.  He suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. His and his families story is set out below.

If you feel able to sponsor me the funds will be used to help fund vitalresearch into this dreadful disease and hopefully one day find a cure.

It was oftenpointed out that Harry's calves and legs were bigger than most children his ageso family and friends would joke that Harry will soon find his way to the rugbypitch. Unfortunately Harry couldn't quite keep up with his friends when runningso after various GP appointments Harry had a blood test.

On the 1st June2013 we were told the results and our world fell apart. We were told it wasserious and more tests were needed but it was suspected Harry has MuscularDystrophy. Two months later following a muscle byopsy it was confirmed Harryhas Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

So now we know by his 10^th birthday it is likelyhe will be in a wheel chair and his upper body will then begin to shut down dueto this rare and painful condition leaving him locked inside his own body. As amuscular degenerative disease eventually his heart and lungs will fail, almostcertainly before he is 30. The most difficult part - there is no cure, it willhappen and it is 100% fatal.

There is a largeamount of research currently taking place in the UK and abroad but as yet theonly treatment is a steroid program to help manage the disease.