The Great North Run isn’t the only challenge this running duo are preparing to take on. They are gearing up to run 13 miles per week in the 13 weeks leading up to the event in September. This adds up to 169 miles each… the distance from Leeds to London! Heather said:
With the COVID-19 pandemic and all the uncertainty surrounding this, it’s not certain that the Great North Run will go ahead as many large runs have been postponed so far. Paul came up with a fantastic idea of challenging ourselves to run 13 miles per week in the 13 weeks leading up to the race in September. If the race goes ahead then we will be best prepared, and if it doesn’t then we will finish with our own half-marathon… the inaugural Great Leeds and Leicester Run.”
Daniel was diagnosed with his condition when he was three. He now uses a wheelchair full time and has never walked. Heather explains:
In the future Daniel may be faced with scoliosis and problems with his breathing. Although his condition affects him in many ways he doesn’t let it hold him back. He has lots of friends at school and loves football, rugby and Star Wars. Not to mention giving his big sister Matilda a helping hand with roller-skating by letting her hitch a ride behind his power chair!”
By supporting the charity and taking on these incredible challenges, both Heather and Paul are making a huge impact and helping to ensure that MDUK are able to continue the vital work with funding research and supporting individuals and families living with muscle-wasting conditions. Heather describes just how important this is to her:
My all-time goal would be to help fund a research project which resulted in a treatment or cure for Daniel’s condition and enabled him to do things that the majority of us take for granted, such as standing, walking and running. On top of this, I’d love to help families whose children have recently been diagnosed with a condition like Daniel’s. I know first-hand just how intense and scary this time can be which is why I’ve volunteered to be one of MDUK’s peer support team. I will never forget the people that helped my family and I when we were in that position.”
Taking on two huge challenges this year is something that both Heather and Paul expressed has helped to keep them motivated throughout all the uncertainty. They hope that others will do the same.
I would definitely recommend others to take on a virtual challenge or a fundraising activity at home for MDUK. It’s clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge effect on the charity with many large fundraising events in the spring being cancelled. There are still children and adults being diagnosed with muscular dystrophies every day who need to be supported by MDUK… we just need to adapt our fundraising ideas and challenges for now.
How to support
- If you would like to support and follow Heather and Paul’s journey with the Great North Run and their 169 mile challenge, visit their JustGiving page.
- If you have been inspired by Heather and Paul’s story and would like to take on your own challenge in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK, please email events@musculardystrophyuk.org.