I first met Charlie about 8 years ago, a sweet and lively little boy that lived next door to me. It was heart breaking to see this cheeky little boy full of so much life get diagnosed with such a horrible condition - Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Chance for Charlie

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle wasting condition.

DMD is always fatal.

It is the most common child hood genetic disorder. The disease almost always affect boys, with 1 in 3,500 being effected. Their are estimated to be 2,500 known children with Duchenne in the UK and 300,000 worldwide.

Those effected by DMD have a fault in their genetic code. This fault means their bodies are unable to produce a protein called Dystrophin. Dystrophin is needed to repair muscles.

The fault within the genetic code is different in every child. In Charlie's case he is missing part 49 and 50 of his Dystrophin Code. The code that makes up the gene is like a puzzle. If a piece of the puzzle changes it can't fit together properly.

At present Charlie's body is failing him, his legs are giving way, he is falling often, his body aches, he experiences extreme tiredness and has associated Autistic traits. He understands he has poorly muscles and recognizes the difference in his peers.

Duchenne will gradually paralyze Charlie's body and leave him with heart failure.

But Charlie is lucky in some ways - he has an amazing family who will never give up fighting for his life and happiness. I see how hard his mum Claire is working to raise money to help Charlie and give him the best possible life and I’d like to help...that is why I want to push myself further than ive ever ran before and complete the abp half marathon whilst raising funds and awareness for Charlie and DMD.