Thank you so much for visiting my Justgiving page. Please support and follow my Virgin London Marathon 2017 journey and help me reach and exceed my £15,000 target! 

Anyone who knows me well, knows that this challenge is completely out of my comfort zone. It’s safe to say I’m not a confident runner and I spend most of my time eating chips and staying well away from the gym! Aside from two 5km and one 10km walk a few years back, I have never taken part in anything even close to 26.2 miles. So the question I’m repeatedly asked is why?

In January 2015 I heard about an adorable 3-year old boy (my friends cousin), Shiv Thakrar who was diagnosed with a condition called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Like many others, I had never heard of this condition, so I did some research which honestly left me heartbroken. 

This condition is the most severe form of muscular dystrophy, which sadly affects 1 in 3,500 boys in the UK alone. It is a genetic condition affecting children, mainly boys. It is caused by the child’s body unable to produce a protein called dystrophin. This causes progressive muscle weakness, including the heart and lungs.

DMD begins to take its toll on boys from a very young age. Before they are even 7 years of age they tire easily compared to their peers, experiencing difficulty when running and climbing stairs and they ask to be carried constantly. Between the age of 10-14, they require powered wheelchairs due to the severe weakness in their arms and legs. Most boys with DMD suffer from heart and lung complications and most of them do not live beyond their twenties. DMD currently has NO CURE! 

Anyone who meets Shiv, including myself, is blown away by his infectious smile and cheeky grin. He is a smart, fun and lovable young boy. Sadly this condition has already made him realise and question why he’s different to other boys his age. 

My answer as to why I’m doing the marathon is simple. I’m hoping to build awareness for Shiv and other young boys with DMD, as well as trying to raise vital funds required for research projects and potential treatments to find a cure, which could save their lives! 

How you can help:
1. Sponsor my Justgiving page - any amount big or small will be hugely appreciated
2. Spread the word - let others know about DMD and please share my Justgiving page

Thank you for reading my story. Together we will #fightduchenne 

For more information, please visit:
Website:  www.smilewithshiv.org
Facebook:  Smile with Shiv
Twitter:  @svt_mands

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