Jeremy’s son, James, 32, was diagnosed with limb girdle type 2A (calpainopathy) when he was 14. James who has a history degree from Reading University, lives independently and teaches Humanities at Tenbury Wells Secondary School in Shropshire.
Jeremy also has a disability after he had an accident some years ago, resulting in several operations that have left his left leg three inches shorter than the other, with no ankle joint. He plans to walk the 13.1 miles, as he can walk long distances using a stick for support.
This is not Jeremy’s first charity challenge for MDUK. In 2009, before his accident, he raised over £2,000 by running a marathon with his sister, who is also taking part in this year’s Virtual Royal Parks Half.
Jeremy wants to raise funds for much-needed research into effective treatments and cures for muscle-wasting conditions.
He said:
I wanted to take part in the Virtual Royal Parks Half to raise funds for MDUK in the hope that a large part of it will be used for research into possible remedies for muscular dystrophy. It is unusual that in the 21st century there are conditions such as muscular dystrophy, about which so little is known and with no effective treatment or cure.
Louise Moffat, Regional Development Manager at MDUK said:
Jeremy has raised an incredible amount already. The fundraising target for the Virtual Royal Parks Half is only £175. We are thrilled to have him on #TeamOrange for this event and so glad that the virtual offering suits him better. His fundraising will help to bridge the gap in funding the charity has experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will enable MDUK to be there for everyone, like his son James, who is living with a muscle-wasting condition. We now have unlimited spaces in the Virtual Royal Parks Half event so if you would like to join Jeremy on #TeamOrange then don’t hesitate to sign up today.
Support Jeremy’s fundraising on his JustGiving page.
