Have you ever stood on top of a mountain and looked in awe at the sheer beauty of what lies below?

Then you'll know it's something that everyone should see!

Those of you who have followed us for a while will know that my 9 year old son, Luke, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when he was 13 months old. The same condition that I watched take the life from my brother, Mark, when he was just 16 years old. You'll also know that Luke is an absolute super hero who travelled to Newcastle, England every single week for 88 weeks to take part on a trial for 'other boys with poorly muscles' (his words! It was obviously for him too but that's how selfless he is - he thought he was doing it for others). He was/is so brave getting his infusions every week, even towards the end when his little veins weren't playing ball. With recent events, Luke hasn't been able to travel and so hasn't received any infusions sine 16th March. (Hopefully starting back next month).

When Luke was diagnosed, I made 2 promises - 1 was to do all I could to try to change what having Duchenne would mean for him and the second was to make sure that Luke enjoyed as many life experiences as possible. For the most part, I've been keeping those promises and for a 9 year old with Duchenne Luke has been doing amazing and he's the most positive, happy, care free kid you'll meet!

For those that don't know, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive, life shortening, muscle wasting condition that affects every muscle in the body causing them to become progressively weaker. The condition affects mostly boys who will typically become full time wheelchair users by the time they leave primary school and they will lose the ability to lift their arms to hug their mummy shortly after that. The heart and lungs are muscles too and they usually become affected during the teenage years and the boys become dependent on heart medication and ventilation. Advances in cardiac and respiratory care have helped to improve life expectancy but it still remains in the early twenties for most with many still losing their lives much younger.

I know that as the condition takes hold of Luke's little body, he will remain happy, positive and full of life but I can't say it's easy to watch as a mummy. At 9, I should be seeing him thrive and grow stronger but instead the complete opposite of that is happening. In recent months we have seen quite a significant decline in Luke. Steps are almost impossible, getting up from the floor is so hard for him, hills take so much energy if he is able to get up them at all, he needs help to use almost everything in the park, he falls all the time, he tires very easily and uses his wheelchair more often. We have a holiday caravan that we visit in Sligo and ever since he was a toddler Luke has always loved to go to the little hill below the caravan and run down it to play and climb back up again - he's usually up and down like a yo-yo. When we went last week, he stood at the top of it watching his brother play there - he couldn't get down and when he had help down he simply couldn't get back up again without being lifted.

The decline that I have dreaded for the last 8 years is well and truly here! And it's made me want to bring him to see some beautiful sites while I can still carry him (he's way heavier than he looks lol). So between now and the end of Mid-August Luke, his little brother Coen and I are going to do 3 peaks in 3 weeks to raise £3,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK so that they can continue to support families like ours. We will climb/ walk up Divis Mountain to see the views over Belfast, up the Cuilcagh Boardwalk (the stairway to heaven) in beautiful Fermanagh and lastly, Slieve Donard in the heart of the Mournes. Luke will only be able to walk shorter distances on flatter parts so I will be carrying him most of the way and no doubt I'll be carrying Coen who is only 6 when I'm not carrying Luke lol. Considering I'm not exactly what you would call fit, this is a massive challenge but I can't wait to share the beautiful views and that quality time with them.

We'd love if you could support us by sponsoring us. Or if you'd like to do the challenge as well on your own dates, then email j.poulton@musculardystrophyuk.org

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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.