I have set myself a challenge this year, to run the Bidwells Oxford Town & Gown 10K race! I’ve never run a race before. The Oxford Town & Gown attracts up to 6000 competitors. My aim is to finish before the organisers pack up and go home! Seriously, I am aiming high, training the best I can, to do the best I can. Using every muscle, I have and muscles I didn’t know I had! The race is in aid of Muscular Dystrophy (MD). I have two close family members who have this muscle wasting condition (Becker MD). There are different types of MD, the most common and most severe being Duchenne MD. A lot of young people who have MD, start life with few difficulties. They are able, to walk, run, ride bicycles and enjoy an active childhood. As they get older the condition worsens. Resulting in severe disability, including the loss of the ability to walk, eat or breathe independently. Muscles and Tendons shorten causing joints to lock in bent positions. Curvature of the spine may occur (Scoliosis). Respiratory muscles weaken; heart muscles are affected leading to cardiomyopathy (enlarged weak heart). Weakened throat muscles making swallowing difficult. Extreme chronic fatigue. Cognitive, mental health issues and pain from the stiffness, spasms or joint contractures. While there is no cure, treatment advancements are drastically improving both the length and quality of life for children and adults with MD. Treatment options can manage symptoms, slow progression and improve quality of life. If you would like to support me, in supporting everyone that suffers from this debilitating condition (ref. www.musculardystrophyuk.org) please consider donating money on my SportsGiving.co.uk page.