Grandson Tom Jackson, 22, was diagnosed with Becker muscular dystrophy a year ago. His brother, 10, was diagnosed three months ago.
Coral said
Tom initially sought doctor’s advice because he thought he had a virus and was bewildered as to why he couldn’t climb any stairs.
The diagnosis was a terrible shock to my entire family. We had not had any previous experience of it, but at the same time I am incredibly proud of Tom for his positive attitude.
The music I choose for the dances are top family songs and personal favourites of mine from when I was a child.
Coral continued
Although I do feel very self conscious about making my videos public, I felt I needed to get over this because I was determined to raise as much awareness and funds as possible, because my grandsons have been diagnosed with a muscular dystrophy condition.
Coral said about her grandson Tom
When my eldest grandson was diagnosed our family didn’t want to think about what the future might be for him. But Tom’s positivity has driven us forward.
He works as a chef in a busy kitchen and has to stand for at least 10 hours a day. He has managed to buy his own flat and set up his own Instagram account promoting himself as the ‘Wobbly Chef’ to bring awareness and understanding about his condition.
As a family we are so very proud of him, even more so because as his younger brother grows, who has the same condition, he will look to Tom and hopefully be encouraged and empowered by what his big brother has achieved.
Coral’s reasons for dancing
Muscular Dystrophy UK is a charity I want to help as much as possible. If my videos make people smile then it brings awareness and that makes me happy. Since I started posting I have been asked to explain what Becker muscular dystrophy is. This is good because more people are now getting an understanding of the condition. I decided to do this fundraiser at this time because I am unable to see my grandchildren because of Covid and wanted to bring some joy into their day.
Then I thought maybe others might like to see grandma Elf dancing and it might bring a bit of joy into their lives. At the start of this fundraiser I questioned if i had enough confidence or ability to complete it. Now, I am happy to have done 22 videos and plan to continue. I am also hoping to go on fundraising next year and the year after. I am so thankful that I can dance and make people smile.
Help an elf out, and support Coral on her JustGiving page.