Story
This year, myself, Barry McFaul and Kenny Cloke will be undertaking the challenge of the Belfast marathon on 04/05/2025. Barry and I will be pushing Kenny around the marathon thanks to kind donation of a specialised running chair provided by the Mae Murray Foundation.
Alongside this, family and close friends will be running further fundraising events to aid in the purchase of a specialised electric wheelchair (see below). These events will aid in the achieving the target above.
For those of you who don't know, Kenny has a life-limiting condition called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), which results in decreasing functional capacity and increasing muscular weakness, leading to dependence on a wheelchair from a young age.
Following a further broken leg in November 2024 (4th broken leg in 10 years), Kenny has once again shown his grit and determination. He is back swimming and has been working hard with physios in order to preserve the level of function which he currently has.
For years, he has fought against the odds to remain independent and in a push wheelchair. However, the progression of the condition now necessitates a specialized electric wheelchair, which is not available on the NHS. With regards to living with DMD, Kenny breaks down barriers – having most recently been doing conservation work in the South African wilderness, as well as a recent trip to New York for the US Open. This wheelchair will allow Kenny to further his passions of wildlife conservation and sport.
He is currently studying a Biological Science Degree with Queen's University Belfast and is hoping to start Zoology in the Autumn. Not only is Kenny excelling academically, but also in his love for sport. He has previously been part of the junior GB paralympic training squad for table tennis.
Kenny loves life. He is mine and my family's inspiration to be better every day and a constant reminder that life is for living. Each day is increasingly more difficult for Kenny, yet he finds a way to remain upbeat about the situation, taking on each challenge with an ever renewing sense of hope and optimism.
On previous occasions, I and others close to Kenny, have raised money for specific charities – however I believe that the time has now come to raise money for Kenny himself, allowing his independence to continue.
Having grown up together, Barry has been like a brother to myself and Kenny. It is therefore fitting that the 3 of us undertake this challenge together. By pushing Kenny around the marathon, we are aiming to raise money to put towards a new wheelchair, whilst also raising awareness about Duchenne.
Any donations would be greatly appreciated!
We also are running further fundraising events this year, including;
- 15/03/2025 Charity rugby match at Medicals RFC: Medicals Irish Exiles v Medicals. Medicals is a club close to my heart and somewhere Kenny loves to attend. This will see the inauguration of the Kenny Cloke Cup, following which a raffle will take place in order to help fundraise.
- 10/05/2025 Charity Golf day followed by a dinner on 11/05/2025 at La Sala Restaurant Marbella, with guest speaker Andrew Mehrtens. As many people know, Kenny and his family have spent large portions of time in Spain over the past 10 years. This event will be run by my dad and his good friend Karl, and promises to be a great weekend and a great opportunity to further the fundraising effort.
- DATE TBC Bannatyne Health Club Belfast fundraising event. Kenny is a beloved and regular member of the club.
For those of you wishing to read more about DMD, see the link below.
