Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy is a condition that will cause muscles to weaken and waste, and causes progressive stiffness of the muscles and spine. The condition makes it increasingly difficult to walk and many children develop respiratory problems as the muscles in their chests weaken.

Bertie is a bright and happy young boy who has a love of snakes and enjoys swimming. He also loves entertaining people particularly when he is playing the drums! He has just started Year 6 of primary school and is now using his wheelchair to get from A to B. His condition also means he cant run, jump, climb stairs or get up from the ground without help, which is hard for him as he just wants to keep up with his friends. It is fatigue as much as the physical restrictions that affect Bertie daily and a less obvious result of this is difficulty writing for any length of time, which in itself can make school life more challenging.

All funds raised by Bertie's Buccaneers will go towards research into Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy.