* I also have a paper sponsorship form and a text donate code (see my photos).

My wife and I have known Bertie since he was a baby. When he was 2, he was diagnosed with Collagen VI myopathy (a really rare form of muscular dystrophy).  He is now six and and a fun little guy but life can be really hard when your muscles don't work properly. Muscular dystrophy is a muscle wasting disease,  meaning that over time all of the body's weaken - including heart and lungs. I want to help fund the research into a cure before it is too late for Bertie. 

Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK) is the charity for 70,000 people living with muscle-wasting conditions. Thanks to their Ullrich CMD appeal and Collagen VI Alliance, in recent years researchers have discovered a lot about what is happening inside the cells of people with Ullrich CMD. One of the findings is that structures in the cells called mitochondria – which are the ‘batteries’ supplying energy – are not functioning correctly. Two drugs have shown promise – Omigapil and Debio 025. A company called Santhera is conducting a clinical trial of Omigapil. There is hope on the horizon. As with anything, this research needs to be funded.

Anything you can spare to sponsor my 24 hour cycling challenge will help Bertie get closer to a cure.

Thank you!

Vinny

P.S. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.