Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to the alterations of a protein called dystrophin that helps keep muscle cells intact. DMD is one of four conditions known as dystrophinopathies. The other three diseases that belong to this group are Becker Muscular dystrophy (BMD, a mild form of DMD); an intermediate clinical presentation between DMD and BMD; and DMD-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (heart-disease) with little or no clinical skeletal, or voluntary, muscle disease.

DMD symptom onset is in early childhood, usually between ages 2 and 3. The disease primarily affects boys, but in rare cases it can affect girls.

There is currently no cure for Duchenne.

William, a caring, funny, articulate little boy was diagnosed with the devastating condition of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in January 2016, at just 3 years old. This was a total shock to the family, although this is a genetic condition, William unfortunately developed the faulty gene at birth – it could happen to anyone.

Duchenne MD is the most common fatal genetic disorder to affect children around the world. 1 in 3500 boys are affected with DMD. It is a devastating, progressive and currently incurable muscle-wasting disease.

In 2019, Darren and his colleagues transformed the William’s family home to provide the space and facilities they needed to cope the effects of Duchenne. Sadly, his condition has since deteriorated, he’s now in a wheelchair and the family needed to improve their driveway to enable access.A quote from a local builder was too expensive, so Darren sprang into action. He assembled a mini team of colleagues and reached out to our supply chain partners for help. He secured materials free of charge and, along with colleagues who gave up their free time, completed the driveway in 2022.

Darren’s kept in close contact with the family since 2019 and has witnessed first-hand how the work he and his colleagues completed has changed their son’s life. This year, Darren is upping his game even further. He’s adding basketball court lines, shrubs, and a bench to the driveway so their son can watch his dad play basketball.

We want to raise awareness of William and Duchenne – we need a cure, but we also want to ensure a fabulous life for William and support Defending William Against Duchenne set up by his family.

All proceeds will be donated on a 50 / 50 basis to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and to Defending William Against Duchenne, an unincorporated charity and will be used for the development, wellbeing and happiness of William Eames with the latest task for our family is sourcing a new power wheelchair.