On Sunday 8 September, Maddie Burns, a medical student from Glasgow, took part in the Great North Run. It was her first half marathon, and she was running for her younger brother Dominic who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Maddie tells us about her brother and why she signed up to run.
Running a half marathon to support my brother
I’ve attempted running a couple of times in the past but never really got into it. Then my mum spotted the Great North Run on Muscular Dystrophy UK’s website and suggested I sign up. Fundraising has been my main motivation as the charity has been important to my family and I since my younger brother, Dominic, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy a decade ago.
I was 10 years old when Dominic was diagnosed. He was six at the time and neither of us really understood the implications of the condition. My mum is a nurse, and she knew something was wrong, but my parents really had to fight for a diagnosis.
Over the years, as his muscles weakened, I noticed him start to tire more easily and he needed to be in a wheelchair full time from the age of 12. Independence is important to him, so my family being able to get a van recently that can accommodate his power chair is a big deal as getting out and about is easier.
Sharing interests and creating memories
Dominic is a massive sci-fi fan and loves Doctor Who and anything to do with space. So, we do things together that focus on those interests, like going to Comic Con in Newcastle. Of course, we still argue occasionally like all siblings do, but he’s such a bubbly character and we get on really well. So, I wanted to do this run for him, and other people like him who are living with muscular dystrophy.
I know quite a few people who work within the healthcare profession, including my mum who is a nurse, so I was inspired to study medicine from a young age. During the pandemic, I volunteered with a charity that held playgroups for children with additional needs and that motivated me further. Now, I’m in my third year studying medicine at Dundee and am also working part-time as a Healthcare Assistant.
By doing this run, I wanted to raise as much money as possible to help and support people living with muscular dystrophy and their families. But also increase awareness of the condition as I think most people aren’t aware of it and the impact it has on people’s everyday lives.
Maddie completed the Great North Run in 2 hours 33 minutes and raised over £1,900.
If you’ve been inspired by Maddie’s story, sign up for the Great North Run 2025