Here at David Lloyd Clubs, Manchester Trafford City, we are often seeking ways of how we can support our local community. When one of our members Mike Koch, shared with us his friend's family's story and how he is fundraising for them, we knew we needed to get involved.

Jenson 7 and Layla 5 have a severe form of epilepsy known as Dravet Syndrome which heartbreakingly, currently has a high mortality rate with 10%-20% of people with the condition not being able to reach adulthood. Alarmingly, in this segment, few survive beyond the age of 10 years old.

Sadly, the family have not been able to experience a special family holiday. Due to the children's condition, both are unable to fly. Air pressure can affect the seizures and suitable medical assistance is not always available on board should something happen. On top of this, it is extremely costly to insure the children to travel.

We will be supporting Mike throughout this year to help raise money to take the family on a #magical trip of a lifetime on a Disney Cruise. Disney cruises have a hospital on board and therefore is the safest and most #magical option for their first and potentially only family holiday abroad.

Mike is taking on a whopping 3 ironman challenges this year alone as well as various other challenges including a 60mile sponsored walk with several club members and team members of the club.

The 60 mile walk will start at the club on Friday 17th May and then overnight head to David Lloyd Clubs, Chorley arriving early Saturday 18th May morning. After a quick rest bite and welcome breakfast, the group will then be heading to David Lloyd Clubs, Warrington. Again after another quick pit stop and refuel they will be setting off back to to David Lloyd Clubs, Manchester Trafford City where we will be welcoming them with open arms, hot showers and celebration club party! Throughout the walk we will be sharing updates via our Instagram @davidlloydmanchester and Facebook @David Lloyd Manchester Trafford pages.

Make sure you are following our social media channels for all #DLManchesterMakeItMagical events and activities coming soon!