Last year I decided that it was my turn to do something that pushes me to my limits to raise money for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. I settled on the Tough Mudder Half after watching my brother and his friends complete the Full Tough Mudder with blood, sweat and tears. The bonus for me was when my cousins, Amy and Sarah, said they would join me in this crazy venture! As the date looms nearer we are frantically realising what we have let ourselves in for however, I keep reminding myself that's it's nothing in comparison to the things my nephew is going to have to face.

I appreciate that this is a lot to read but I have put together a short summary of what DMD is:

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a condition that causes muscles to become weaker, as my nephew gets older he will find that walking, running, hopping, jumping and climbing will become more difficult. Over time his muscle cells will die and without a cure they are unable to repair themselves. One day it is likely that Tyler will lose the ability to walk independently.

This next part is quoted from the DMD web page:

Some children begin to use a powered wheelchair between the ages of 9 to 12 years. In the teenage years, the arms, chest and neck muscles can also be affected.

At present, there does not appear to be a cure for DMD but research is continuing to find a cure or treatment for children suffering with Duchenne or the milder form, Becker Muscular Dystrophy. It should be stressed that there is still much that can be done to keep children as mobile as possible for as long as possible. Regular exercise such as swimming, stretching and physiotherapy have been found to be beneficial, as has paying attention to a healthy diet.

Please, please sponsor us and keep your fingers crossed that one day there will be a cure for this horrid condition.

Love you muchly little T xxx