When Sophie Hutchison’s family and friends cross the finish line of the 22.7-mile Glasgow Kiltwalk on Saturday 25 April, they will be physically exhausted. But for aspiring architect Sophie, who lives with limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), that level of fatigue isn’t a one-time event, it is her daily reality. Sophie tells us about living with LGMD and why ‘Soph’s Mighty Striders’ are fundraising in her name.
“Exhaustion comes hand-in-hand with muscular dystrophy”
I was diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) twelve years ago, when I was just 13. The condition affects my muscle strength, making ‘simple’ tasks like climbing stairs or even lifting my arms an immense physical challenge. But I don’t want to let the diagnosis define my future; I see it not just as a challenge, but as a guiding force for my career.
Exhaustion comes hand-in-hand with muscular dystrophy
My condition means that I walk slower than everyone else and struggle with everyday things like standing up after I’ve been sitting in a chair, going up and down stairs, even lifting my arms to put my hair in a ponytail. It’s unrelenting and is getting progressively worse.
For my family, it takes a marathon distance to reach the level of fatigue I feel just by navigating the world. But I truly believe that there is a reason for everything. While LGMD brings challenges, like extreme exhaustion, it has also given me a unique vision for a world without barriers.
I feel I was meant to be an architect so I can advocate for better access. In the future, I hope to put those skills to the test to ensure the buildings of the future are truly open to everyone.
My family are my ‘cheerleaders’
I call my family my ‘cheerleaders’ as they’ve been my fiercest advocates over the years, supporting me through accessibility hurdles at university and fighting to ensure my voice is heard.
None of us had heard of muscular dystrophy before my diagnosis, so when we take on charity challenges, it’s as much about raising awareness as it is about raising money to help fund research and support services for those living with muscular dystrophy and their loved ones.
Fundraising for a world without limits
As a family, we’ve taken part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk before, and a couple of years ago we did a charity zipslide and raised £8,000. This year, a team of seven of my family and friends are doing the Glasgow Kiltwalk as ‘Soph’s Mighty Striders’. I won’t be taking part this year but will be there to cheer them on!
We want to raise money for the charity that funds research into my condition and has supported me in my fight for accessibility. I can really relate to Muscular Dystrophy UK’s vision of a world without limits and it’s something I want to help achieve.
Support the challenge
By supporting the team’s efforts, you’ll be contributing to research and support for people like Sophie living with a muscle wasting condition.
Inspired by this story?
From Kiltwalks and treks to cycling or marathons – there’s a challenge event for you. Find out more and sign up to help change the future of muscle wasting conditions.
