As this is my first fundraising page I am unsure of exactly how much or little I should write but this cause is very close to my heart so please bear with me! 

I first met Lizzie and James nearly 4 years ago at NCT class. They were expecting Sebastian and my I was expecting Betsy. From then on, Lizzie and I became close friends. Luckily living only a few miles away from each other we have supported each other on this crazy journey that is parenthood.

In October 2016 Lizzie and James’ world was turned upside down after Sebastian was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a fatal genetic condition affecting around 2,500 (mostly males) in the UK. A mutation in the gene that should tell the body to produce dystrophin results in progressive muscle weakness and damage. Initially muscles in the arms and legs are affected, eventually
resulting in the use of a wheelchair. However serious medical problems occur when the heart and lungs are affected. Life expectancy is mid to late 20’s. Although some with the condition live into their 30’s or 40’s, there are tragically those who only live to their teens.

In case you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him, let me tell you a little bit about Sebastian. Sebastian is an adorable little boy. He has a cheeky smile. He loves his food and he most definitely has a food radar…if there’s a biscuit packet being opened within a 20 meter radius he’s there! He is fascinated with doors or anything with a hinge. Row, Row is one of his favourite songs and always a firm request at playgroup! He likes to play chase with Betsy , making her giggle and crumpet Tuesday’s are a highlight of our week!

When I was thinking of ways I could fundraise, running the Lincoln 10k was an obvious choice. Not because I am a runner. Far from it. I am ashamed to say I am a couch potato…the fact that I am writing this whilst tucking into a Cadbury’s Crème Egg and a cup of tea in my pyjamas, perfectly sums me up. But the Lincoln 10k is something that I've wanted to do for years and what is the point of fundraising and asking people to sponsor me if it wasn’t a challenge right?! 10k may not be far for some people but to me it will feel like a marathon. I completed a beginners running course at my local running club last summer and the most I managed to run was 5km. But I haven’t run (or done any exercise for that matter) since August. I now have 10 weeks to stop making excuses, dust off those trainers and raise some money in the name of Sebastian.  

I have chosen to raise money for Action Duchenne, an amazing charity founded in 2001 to fund research to find a cure or viable treatments for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. They provide amazing support for Sebastian and his family and will continue to be there for every step of their journey. We have to believe that one day a cure will be found and every penny that you can donate will  help to get there quicker.