Our sons, Owen and George, were diagnosed with Duchenne in 2017 and we set up Project GO to support Duchenne UK, an incredible charity that has one clear aim - to end Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. DMD is a fatal and currently incurable genetic disease which causes all the muscles in the body to gradually weaken. This is because boys like ours are not able to produce dystrophin - an essential protein which protects every muscle each time it contracts. High dose steroids help to suppress the inflammation and muscle damage, but it is not treatment, and the side effects are heartbreaking.

Gene therapy research has made huge advances in recent years, but is still some way from an effective clinical treatment. In the meantime, novel steroid-sparing medications have been developed which are at least as effective as steroids, but without the severe associated side effects. Unfortunately, due to cost they are not currently available in the NHS. Duchenne UK's work continues to fund groundbreaking medical research, to accelerate access to treatments, and ensure everyone in the DMD community is given the care and support they need.

Having become a Peloton enthusiast during the pandemic, I am acutely aware every time I get on the bike that my boys will never be able to cycle 300m, let alone take part in an event like the Dash, and cycle 300km from London to Paris. It is this thought which will keep me going as my legs inevitably scream and I feel like the finish line will never be in sight.

Thank you so much for supporting our ride to Paris, and the essential work of Duchenne UK to improve lives and ultimately find a cure for all those affected by Duchenne.