On Sunday, September 18th I ran in my first half-marathon for a tremendously important cause- the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign (MDC). I am very grateful to the MDC for their support of my research in the congenital muscular dystrophies, as a clinical research fellow at the University College London’s Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.

I ran along with “Team Jed”- a team organized by the family of one of my patients with congenital muscular dystrophy. Our team was made up of 31 members in honour of the 31st year of the Great North Run and together raised £31,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

The funds we have raised are essential for continuing our important MDC-funded research, which is promoting progress toward clinical trials for these relentlessly progressive conditions. Deepest thanks to every one of you who have sponsored my run; I am honoured and humbled by your generosity!

I cannot imagine having trained for and completed the Great North Run- especially up and down those hills and through pouring rain- if it were not for a cause which is incredibly near and dear to my heart.

I ran for ALL individuals with neuromuscular disorders, who continually teach me that real strength is not something made in a gym but rather the inner core we draw on in times of adversity. I also ran in memory of my close friend, Tom, who courageously faced the challenges of Duchenne muscular dystrophy while pursuing his dreams including that of attending law school.

For all of my young muscular dystrophy patients- and in a special way those who have shared with me their beautiful voices, singing “I Will Survive” and “We are the Champions” - I sincerely hope that we, as a community of paediatric neuromuscular specialists and researchers, will make you proud as we continue to work hard to find treatments for your conditions. Your courage is my inspiration.