Can you imagine not being able to do the things that you love?

I class myself as being an incredibly lucky person in a number of ways, not least the fact that I am fit, healthy and have been able to enjoy this luxury for every minute since learning to walk

Those that know me know of my love for sport and physical activity. I not only fill all of my spare time with it, but I have also stumbled across a career that allows me to talk about it throughout my working life.

It is heartbreaking to me that a very small proportion of the population will never get the choice to enjoy a full life of health, unobstructed outdoor fun or competitive sport.

One of those people is William, who is the small boy I am raising money for while attempting to complete my first full-distance triathlon, more commonly referred to as an 'ironman'.

William is the 5 year old son of a good friend from work, who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at the age of 3. Duchenne MD is one of the most common fatal genetic disorders 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.

Further information on the charity and the disease can be found here: Defending William against DMD .I can tell you that it won't take much reading for you to realise how truly awful the condition is.

What can be done to help?

About 8 months back, following a particularly successful Parkrun, I decided that the next logical step would be to sign up for an Ironman

Now, with 6 weeks to ago until the race in Northern Spain (yes it will be hot...approximately 28 degrees in fact), I am coming to the conclusion that swimming 3.8km, cycling 180km and running 42km back to back is something that will be distinctly more difficult than anything I have done before.

To try and raise some money for an unspeakably unlucky young guy, as well as giving me a reason not to throw the towel in when things get awful, I have decided to raise some money for William and his family, which is where I would like your help.

If you are able and willing to spare any money whatsoever, I would be eternally grateful. I have always said I would never ask for money for something that I enjoy doing, but the combination of a brutal training regime and the opportunity to raise some money for such as fantastic cause has led me to setting up this page and asking for your support.

I have paid every penny of the entry, travel and everything else, so rest assured that ALL of your sponsorship will go directly to helping William and his family.

THANK YOU so much for anything you can give. I'll be providing final training updates via Instagram - edjhubbard for anyone who enjoys watching grown men cry ...