On Sunday 11 August, Carly Swankie took part in the Dundee Kiltwalk in support of her nine-year-old daughter Holly, who was diagnosed with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) last year. Carly tells us what made her sign up to the Kiltwalk for a sixth time and how she got the rest of the family involved.
Walking for Holly: a family Kiltwalk challenge
My daughter Holly is a funny, sassy little girl. It may sound strange, but everything has actually been easier since she received her diagnosis last year. Before that, there was so much wrong and Holly was in a lot of pain but, despite lots of hospital appointments and tests, no one could tell us what was going on. When we finally found out it was FSHD, it was a relief to know what we were dealing with and to be able to get the support Holly needs going forward.
Raising awareness of the condition
Before Holly was diagnosed, I thought there was only one type of muscular dystrophy. I had never heard of FSHD and had no idea there are over 60 different types of muscle wasting condition.
Holly’s condition means that she relies on a wheelchair whenever we go out but she’s currently still able to walk short distances around the house. She has the best personality and makes all of us laugh. However, she is in constant chronic pain, and I know she struggles with the fact that she can’t run around with her friends. Doing the Kiltwalk was a way to fundraise but also help to raise awareness of Holly’s condition.
Support from the whole family
I’ve taken part in the Kiltwalk five times previously but for this year’s four-mile ‘Wee Wander’ Dundee Kiltwalk, I roped in other members of the family. Doing it together was a way for us all to support Holly and raise awareness. It was great to have Holly and Jacob there taking part too.
Holly’s nana, Michelle Swankie said: “We took part in the Kiltwalk Wee Wander as a family to support Holly and raise awareness of FSHD.” Brian Swankie added: “My granddaughter Holly’s condition comes with many difficulties but the one that troubles her the most is that she can’t smile. I wanted to raise money for MDUK so that they can continue to fund research into muscle wasting conditions and find a way to give Holly and many others a cheeky wee smile.”
Team Holly raised over £1,000 by taking part in the Dundee Kiltwalk.
