Despite having never run a half marathon before, Will decided to enter in the hope of raising over £750 to help fund Muscular Dystrophy UK’s (MDUK) research, which seeks to develop treatments – and ultimately a cure – for muscle-wasting conditions, like his friend Sean’s.
Will explains that he’s running because “I know the effect muscular dystrophy has on people”. This has made him determined to raise awareness and help beat a rare muscle-wasting condition. He says, “Sean was overjoyed when I told him I was 100% doing the run. He says that even the smallest amount of fundraising has a direct impact on the lives of people living with muscle-wasting conditions.”
Will’s friend Sean
Sean is an Environmental Service Manager at Burnley Council. The two became friends many years ago through their partners, Kirsty and Katie, who are best friends.
“I've known Sean for over eight years now,” reflects Will, “but I feel like we have been friends much longer. Even in the short time I have known Sean, his life has changed massively because of his condition, especially over the last few years as his condition has got worse. It impacts almost every aspect of his life.”
Sean has limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), a form of muscular dystrophy, which causes progressive muscle-wasting and weakening, generally in the shoulder and pelvic girdle area.
Preparing for the run
Will is excited to take on the Great North Run (GNR) among the 115 fundraisers running in MDUK’s #TeamOrange colours.
“I’ve been meaning to do the Great North Run for 20 years!” he explains. “I studied at university in Newcastle and every year, near the start of term, we would watch the GNR set off and I always thought ‘I would love to do that’.
“I’m particularly looking forward to the last couple of miles where you run slightly downhill to the coast in South Shields. I imagine the crowds are amazing! That will be particularly special for me as my grandad was from South Shields.”
Support from MDUK
MDUK will be cheering for Will and all of the other run participants. Aaron Fernandes, Challenge Events Assistant at MDUK, says:
“Running the Great North Run is a fantastic challenge and can be a real milestone life achievement. It’s so moving that it is friendship – and the knowledge of the impact that muscle-wasting conditions can have on people’s lives – that has inspired Will to finally tackle this half marathon for the first time.
“We are so honoured and incredibly grateful that he has chosen to run as part of Muscular Dystrophy UK’s #TeamOrange. This year we are hoping to raise more than £60,000 which will help make a real difference to the lives of the 110,000 people living with muscle-wasting conditions in the UK.
“We wish Will every luck in his challenge. We will be there on 11 September, cheering him on every step of the way!”
Entries for the Great North Run 2022 are now closed, but if you have your own place we would love for you to register to run with us as part of #TeamOrange.
You can visit Will’s fundraising page to show your support.