Claire's fundraiser for Harrison's Fund, on behalf of Austin and Maxine

Claire Hendrick is raising money for Harrison's Fund

Royal Parks Half Marathon 2025 · 12 October 2025 · Start fundraising for this event

We're here to bridge the gap between needing Mental Health support due to a devastating Duchenne diagnosis and accessing the NHS services families facing Duchenne need. Therapy empowers families to navigate the complexities of DMD with a greater sense of understanding and emotional well-being.

Story

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I first met Austin and his Mum, Maxine, at our local primary school, in the playground. Maxine and I realised we shared some common interests and were running the Edinburgh marathon at the same time in 2024, and we have since become friends and our children are now classmates.

Before meeting them, I was totally unfamiliar with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

I have witnessed the daily challenges Austin has to face, together with frequent early starts and long journeys for medical appointments, which he does without complaint and always with a smile on his face.

As a parent, I can’t imagine the immense emotions Maxine must experience, having a child with a life limiting, fatal muscle wasting illness. It’s heartbreaking and devastating, and Maxine is a true figure of strength and resilience in all she faces in this journey with Austin.

Both Maxine and Austin are two of the most inspirational people I have met… and despite the emotional and physical challenges they face each and every day, they continue to keep striving and overcoming them.

Maxine’s dedication has inspired me to support her and Austin, and other families affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

To help raise funds I will be taking part in The Royal Parks Half Marathon on October 12th 2025. The stunning 13.1-mile route takes in many of the capital’s world-famous landmarks on closed roads, and four of London’s eight Royal Parks – Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens. I can’t wait!

Who are Harrison’s Fund?

Founded in 2012 by Alex and Donna Smith in honour of their son Harrison who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Over the past decade, the charity has made significant strides in raising awareness and funds for Duchenne research.

While Harrison’s Fund has always been driven by the mission to find a cure for Duchenne, the organisation has recognised a critical unmet need within the Duchenne community: the mental health and emotional well-being of families affected by this devastating disease. I want to help as many families as possible who have received a Duchenne diagnosis, access the mental health support they so desperately need.

What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

This was my first question as I had never heard of it.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe life changing and life shortening genetic disorder.

It causes progressive muscle weakness and degeneration, primarily affecting boys. It results from a lack of dystrophin, a protein essential for muscle function. Symptoms typically start in early childhood and worsen over time. Duchenne is life limiting, fatal and no current cure or treatment is available.

What will my donation be used for?

All donations will go directly towards the costs of family counselling and support sessions with clinical psychologists.

Please help with my fundraising efforts for this amazing charity.

Thank you so much for your support.

Claire xx

Donation summary

Total
£185.00
+ £46.25 Gift Aid
Online
£185.00
Offline
£0.00

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