My cousin Steve was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at Great Ormond Street in 1974 when he was four. At that time he was given just 10 years to live. He defied the odds to live for a further 20 and was an inspiration to all who knew him.

DMD is a genetic condition which causes muscle-wasting and meant Steve was confined to a wheelchair from the age of 11. Despite all of the challenges he faced, including major surgery when he was 15 to have metal rods in his back to relieve pressure on his heart and lungs, he lived life to the full and had a wicked sense of humour.

He attended college in Coventry where he met his future fiancé Giselle, and used to travel to pop concerts, movies and to watch his beloved Arsenal with his dad Dave or best friend Paul, who had Becker MD, and a fully adapted van.

However, despite his lust for life, his condition continued to deteriorate and sadly passed away in September 1994. His ashes were scattered at Highbury where he had spent many happy years, and were later transferred to a garden of remembrance at the site when Arsenal moved grounds.

He never complained about his condition and lived his too short life to the full.

The Duchenne Family Support Group has provided support to Steve's parents Marcia and Dave and his sister Sarah and it would be great to raise money for such a great charity in memory of Steve who remains in all of our thoughts to this day.