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I am running in the Fleet 10k at the end of October. I'm taking the opportunity to raise money for Help4Harry which raises money for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. Harry is a lovely cheeky boy in Fynn's class at school who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy last year. 

Here's his family's story:

Our Story,

Our Harry

Harry celebrated his 5th birthday in August 2013 and like many 5 year olds enjoyed his party running round with his friends. He's a very cheeky chap who will try and get away with anything using his smile. He's into everthing currently playing football after school, swiming and takes great delight in winding up his 7 year old brother Jack.

It was often pointed out that Harry's calves and legs were bigger than most children his age so family and friends would joke that Harry will soon find his way to the rugby pitch. Unfortunately Harry couldn't quite keep up with his friends when running so after various GP appointments Harry had a blood test.

When everything changed

On the 1st June 2013 we were told the results and our world fell apart. We were told it was serious and more tests were needed but it was suspected Harry has Muscular Dystrophy. Two months later following a muscle byopsy it was confirmed Harry has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. So now we know by his 10^thbirthday it is likely he will be in a wheel chair and his upper body will then begin to shut down due to this rare and painful condition leaving him locked inside his own body. As a muscular degenerative disease eventually his heart and lungs will fail, almost certainly before he is 30. The most difficult part - there is no cure, it will happen and it is 100% fatal.

There is a large amount of research currently taking place in the UK and abroad but as yet the only treatment is a steroid program to help manage the disease.

Support

Thanks to the support from friends and family we have launched this website help4harry as a focus point where we keep you updated on Harry's progress, raise awareness and most importantly raise funds to help those at the forefront of the research into treatments and hopefully one day, a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. 

Enjoying the 'now'

Whilst it is impossible to forget what the future holds for Harry we must not forget how Harry is now. Concentrating too much on the years to come will just mean we will all miss out on fun and laughter today and tomorrow. If you spend any time with Harry he will make you smile, he's the cheeky chappy and if you're lucky he'll end up smacking your bottom and running rings round you... :)  

To find out more please look on http://www.help4harry.co.uk