Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I am running the London Marathon in 2012 for the first time, in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. My dad has been living with the disease for more than 30 years which is why I've chosen to support this charity. The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is the leading organisation in the fight against muscle disease, by:

• funding world-class research to find effective treatments and cures
• providing free practical and emotional support
• campaigning to raise awareness and bring about change for disabled people
• awarding grants towards the cost of specialist equipment, such as powered wheelchairs

There is currently no cure for muscular dystrophy. Muscular Dystrophy Campaign relies almost entirely on voluntary donations and legacies to fund its work. The association invests over £1 million a year in pioneering research and support.

• More than 70,000 children and adults in the UK have a type of muscle disease or related condition supported by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign
• The severity of the muscle conditions varies enormously - for the most severe disorders children can die at birth or in their first year of life. Other people live with the disease for normal length lives but with increasing disability as the disease gradually affects all the muscles in the body including the heart and lungs.

Thank you very much for supporting me. I will be very grateful for even the smallest donation that helps me towards my target.

£35 funds an hour of research that could lead us to a treatment or cure to improve and lengthen people's lives.

£50 gives parents one hour with a specialist physiotherapist who can show them the valuable muscle-stretching techniques that could keep their child walking for longer.

£55 funds a Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Care Advisor for 1 hour, in which they can give the practical and emotional support needed by children and adults immediately after a diagnosis.

£148 funds for one day the cost of our freephone Information Line so staff can provide vital support to families and healthcare professionals on a wide range of conditions and issues.

£900 allows the Joseph Patrick Trust (JPT) to make a grant towards the cost of a child's powered wheelchair.

£1,875 funds staff with specialist knowledge of muscle disease - including occupational therapy, support and expert medical advice - at one of our muscle centres for a week.

£2,000 covers the running costs of a muscle centre for a week, providing diagnosis and multi-disciplinary care.

£10,000 funds two months of pioneering research into the causes of and treatments for muscle disease.

£20,000 funds a fun Family Weekend, providing respite, expert advice and companionship for children and adults with muscle disease and their loved ones.

£100,000 supports a research student through their PhD, encouraging the brightest young scientists to stay in the field of neuromuscular research.