Since 2017 we have known that both our gorgeous boys have Duchenne, a fatal and currently incurable genetic disease which causes all the muscles in the body to gradually weaken. It can affect any family, and is due to a faulty gene which means boys with DMD are not able to produce dystrophin. This is an essential protein which protects our muscles every time they contract, including our hearts. Owen and George take high dose steroid medication every day to try and suppress the inflammation and damage in their muscles, but this is not treatment, and the side effects are heartbreaking.

The only hope for families like ours is that one day an effective gene therapy will be developed, so that boys like Owen and George will be able to grow the healthy muscles which most of us take for granted. Gene therapy research has made huge advances in recent years, but is still some way from an effective clinical treatment. Clearly the pandemic has been a huge setback since many research studies have simply stalled for 2 years, and fundraising has been difficult.

I was delighted when my old friends, Graham and Craig, suggested the Cask Challenge. 16 of us, loosely connected via the RCSEd rugby team, are going to transport a 120kg whisky cask to the summit of Lochnagar (1155m), near Balmoral, on Saturday 30th April 2022. I don't even know if it's possible! But the idea is to experience what it often feels like for George and Owen doing 'simple' everyday tasks.

As always, Kirsty and I are humbled by the support of our friends, family, colleagues, and beyond. We are desperate to continue raising funds and awareness of Duchenne, and one day a cure for this cruel disease will be found. Thank you so much.

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” - Desmond Tutu