Fundraiser aims to beat the odds in charity walk
Man with muscle-wasting condition takes on tough challenge
A man with a devastating muscle-wasting condition, who sometimes struggles to walk, is taking on a charity challenge against the odds.
Brett Dunster is determined to raise £1,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK through a sponsored Move a Mile for Muscles walk in Maidstone’s Mote Park.
The 41-year-old has a rare form of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, a life-limiting condition which causes muscles to weaken and waste over time.
He expects to be joined by around 50 friends and family to cheer him on, and take part, on Saturday, August 20.
Anyone is welcome to join in, with a choice from either a threemile run or a one-mile accessible walk, starting at 10am.
Around 1,400 people in the UK suffer from genetically-inherited limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.
In some cases the muscles of the heart and breathing muscles are affected, leading to lifethreatening complications.
Mr Dunster, a former Oldborough Manor pupil, first became aware something was wrong about 10 years ago, when he began walking with a limp. For the past three years he has been an out-patient at Kings College Hospital, London.
He said: “At the moment I can still get around with a walking stick, but going upstairs is difficult. Sometimes I have to crawl up like a baby.”
He expects his condition to worsen, and is having his home in Staffa Road, Loose, adapted so that he can live on the ground floor.
Mr Dunster said: “Life has its ups and downs, but I’m determined to show others that they can succeed beyond their expectations.
“I want to encourage people to get involved in Move a Mile for Muscles and join me on the day – the more people take part, the quicker we can beat muscle- wasting conditions.”
Mr Dunster is planning a real family day out, with banners, balloons, a tombola and games.
Muscular Dystrophy UK’s regional development manager for the South East, Anneka Liefting, said: “We have no doubt Brett will make us proud.”
For information, visit www. musculardystrophyuk.org/ motepark
Donate via www.justgiving. com/fundraising/brett-dunster1