Having suffered with Muscular Dystrophy since birth, having the rarer Beckers mutation means it hasn't bothered me as much as it can for others with Beckers and other types. I didn't take part in school P.E or extra curricular activities because back then (30+ years ago) the Doctor i was under didn't understand what that would mean for me in later life. 

Because of this, i generally didn't partake in any exercise and have always struggled with my weight, in 2018 i got to 20 stone and 6 pounds, struggled to walk much and eventually after much debated accepted that my disability had gotten the better of me and was given a powered wheelchair. 

After about 6 months and speaking with my cardiologist and neurologist i was told losing some weight would make things a little easier and would mean i could maybe become less dependant on the wheelchair. 

I started to exercise and walk a little here and there eventually building up to start the c25k programme - i obviously struggled but nobody was sure if it was my weight or the MD, but i persevered and repeated a number of weeks a number of times. I got about 4-5 weeks into the 9 week programme and i was no longer using the powered (or any!) wheelchair and i handed it back. I had also lost 6 stone and felt amazing, i wasn't a fast runner, but i could run! Who knew?!

It's September 2021 and although i can only run around 3-4km non-stop at a time i can run / walk 7-10km and because i know i probably am very lucky to be able to do that i love it so much, it has changed my life, not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. 

At the end of September 2021 i decided to apply for the London Marathon - as since starting to run/walk i had always wanted to do it and to test how far i can push my body. Roll on 14th March and to my amazement and surprise i find out I GOT IN!!!

I completed the London Marathon in a time of 8hrs and 6 minutes - it was hard but i set out and completed my goal of finishing the london marathon.

Not one to be deterred by the hard things in life i've now signed up to run the Great North Run and to raise money for MDUK again. This is a half marathon running from Newcastle to South Shields, i got this!

I won't let you down, i won't let ME down.

Muscular Dystrophy UK is the charity for the 70,000 children and adults living with muscle-wasting conditions in the UK. There's currently no cure, and it many cases, it limits lives. MDUK do vital work in funding pioneering research into treatments and cures as well as providing vital information, advice, resources and support for individuals and families living with these conditions.All donations, big or small, are greatly appreciated. Thank you!