We are running London Landmarks Half Marathon on 2nd April 2023 to raise vital funds for Action Duchenne. This is a very personal cause for us as Dave’s 13 year old son has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy which has a profound impact on his daily life and we want to help contribute to Action Duchenne’s work to stop other families from going through this in the future.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic muscle wasting condition affecting around 2,500 people in the UK – the vast majority being male. The body does not produce a protein called dystrophin which is needed for muscle function. Usually diagnosed around the age of 4 years, parents are told the devastating news that the life expectancy of their child is around 30 years – the worst news you could ever expect to hear. DMD severely affects quality of life; in time, a wheelchair is used full-time and eventually all of the muscles in the body stop working. Ventilation is needed to assist with breathing and death usually occurs from heart failure. There are currently no cures or treatment options available to the entire population who have the condition – this is what Action Duchenne is working hard to change. Established in 2001, Action Duchenne work tirelessly to deliver the overall vision of the charity - 'a world where lives are no longer limited by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Action Duchenne has a clear vision: a world where lives are no longer limited by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We work to deliver their vision through three core objectives: 1) DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS FOR ALL by funding research, educating clinicians and researchers, supporting clinical trials and campaigning for access. 2) BUILDING A COMMUNITY by supporting and uniting families, educating about Duchenne and raising the profile of the condition to a wider audience. 3) STRIVING FOR A MORE INCLUSIVE SOCIETY by promoting the importance of human equality, day-to-day acceptance of disability and accessibility for those with Duchenne.

 ● £20 Could pay for a newly diagnosed family to receive an initial support telephone call and vital information pack. 

● £50 Could fund one full hour of research 

● £100 Could contribute to bringing a Duchenne science education event to our families across the UK 

● £500 Could help us develop and deliver a support and education webinar