We are seeking to challenge ourselves physically and mentally whilst recognising that our ability to complete such a challenge may only be dreams for some. At the age of 3, our friends son, Aston was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive, life-limiting muscle wasting disease. It effects every muscle in the body, including the heart and lungs. We have sadly watched Aston grow progressively weak. By the age of 7 had lost the ability to walk, by the age of 12 he had lost the ability to sit up unaided and by 15 his spine was so weak that it needed metal rods to fix him in an upright position. Now at the age of 17 he uses a ventilator everyday and has very limited ability to move. Despite his difficulties , Aston like many young men is absolutely determined to live the best life he can. He remains very super independent, attending college, working and playing powerchair football at a national level! Having chatted with Aston’s family about the best way to raise awareness and support the Duchenne community, we have decided to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy UK, which are a national charity that provide a range of support services to people effected by muscle wasting diseases. One of the services which has significantly made a difference to the life of Aston is the role of a MD Care Advisor, placed in every region of the UK to provide a critical guiding hand to newly diagnosed families as well as helping those families to navigate through every new milestone that they will hit- adaptions to homes, needing wheelchair accessible vehicles, seeking educational support, referrals into wheelchair services, attendance at appointments and visits during scary ICU stays as well as sign posting to hospices for respite care; offering a reassuring lifeline to parents of children with this cruel disease.
Charity website23 hours and 7 minutes
The National Three Peaks Challenge takes in the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales, often in 24 hours.