On Sunday 6 April, Kemlo Rose is taking part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon. He is running in support of his father and siblings who live with myotonic dystrophy type 1. Kemlo explains why he decided to take on this challenge and why fundraising is important to him.
Running the London Landmarks Half Marathon for my family
The inspiration for my fundraising comes from my family. Muscular Dystrophy UK is my go-to charity, not least for the incredibly important work that they are doing across the country in researching treatment options for muscle wasting conditions, but also in supporting those living with the conditions. This is particularly important to me as my dad, brother and sister all live with myotonic dystrophy type 1.
“The condition impacts them in different ways and to varying extents. Some symptoms are physical, like fatigue, struggling to swallow or speak easily, sleep apnoea, and difficulty walking for long periods.”
But what can be difficult is not knowing the extent to which other symptoms, like neurological changes or heightened emotions, can be traced back to the degenerative nature of the condition.
However, lots of aspects of our lives are the same as other people’s. My dad and I share a passion for Ipswich Town FC, good food and foreign languages, the last of which we have in common with my siblings: Eleanor, who works in publishing, and William, who works in a school for children with disabilities. They both love reading good books, writing, having animated political conversations around the dinner table as well as playing video games together and breaking into song — which they do far better than I can!
My running tends to come in bursts. When I ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon for Muscular Dystrophy UK a couple of years ago that was my first foray into long-distance running. Before training for that, I’d never run much further than 5k. Since then, I’ve tried to keep up with it but never got close to a half marathon distance outside of race training.
“I’m running this half marathon for my family. For people living with muscle wasting conditions, the simplest of tasks – like walking, eating, breathing – can become an incredible challenge, which is why raising money to fund research and support is so important.”
I would emphatically urge anyone considering taking on a challenge for Muscular Dystrophy UK to go for it! Not only do you get the chance to make a real difference to the lives of so many people, but every interaction with the charity is a real pleasure. Before I ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon, I also took part in Pedal Paddle Peak, which was a brilliant event organised by Muscular Dystrophy UK. You really feel like part of a community and that your fundraising is benefiting people.
Support Kemlo's fundraising
By supporting Kemlo’s efforts, you’ll be contributing to crucial research and support services for individuals living with muscle wasting conditions
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