Emma, Mark & Jon are running the LONDON MARATHON for Muscular Dystrophy UK!  Having only ever previously dragged ourselves round half the distance we thought we would team up for moral support and raise some money in the process. 

Anything that you can give to help raise money for this great charity is greatly appreciated!  MDUK and the work they do is very close to our hearts since our wonderful Dad was sadly diagnosed in 2019, shortly after retiring. 

Muscular dystrophy is a life changing condition with people experiencing progressive wasting and weakening of muscles, leading inevitably to progressive disability. There are many different types of muscular dystrophy, with differing levels of disability, but the one thing they have in common is they will need to seek support.

Before Dad was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, he was cycling over 100 miles a week for his commute, more on the weekends for fun.  He was fit and active, always helping others with practical tasks and looking forward to adventures in his retirement. 

Since his diagnosis he has seen a steady decline in his mobility.  In November 2019 he realised that was the last time he would mow the lawn, not for the year, but ever.  He could no longer control the lawnmower or stop himself being pulled over.  The past three years has followed a familiar course, losing the ability to perform simple tasks, and with it his independence. 

Coming to terms with his increasing disability has been an enormous
emotional and psychological challenge for him but also for my mother, and they are fortunate to have been able to tackle each hurdle together.  Dad has taken up writing and in his fantastic blog he wrote about the time he realised he would never drive again: 

‘The darkness of that moment cannot be overstated. Like sand, slipping through my fingers, my increasing disability is loosening the grip I had on the old ‘normal’, and my one chance to recover some of the ground I had lost had been snatched away from me. I felt like a climber who had reached out to grasp a handhold he saw ahead only to discover it was merely a shadow on the rock face; an illusion.’

MDUK is the charity for the 110,000 people in the UK with muscle-wasting conditions.  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.  They assist with access to care and equipment, run patient groups, support mental health, help with family
planning and setting up care plans.  This expert support can be a lifeline for some people who face this uncertain future. 

Any money you can give, however big or small, is HUGELY appreciated.