‘It’s like I’m in the FA Cup semi-final’
BURSCOUGH man Mark Lund spends most of his time raising awareness for the life-limiting condition that his eight-year-old son Alfie suffers – and his efforts have now been recognised by ITV and the Daily Mirror.
Alfie suffers from a rare genetic disorder known as MECP2 Duplication Syndrome which means he cannot walk or talk and he also has profound learning difficulties.
It was only discovered in 2005 and when Alfie was diagnosed, he was only the seventh child in the UK to have it.
Mark set up The Alfie Lund Fund, which raises money for specialist equipment for Alfie to help meet his therapy needs and give him a more comfortable life; and to raise awareness of MECP2 Duplication Syndrome to help other families in a similar situation.
Mark went to 68 football grounds up and down the country and asked supporters to donate a shirt, flag or scarf so he could tie them together. In May of this year, the football chain was more than three miles long, with donations from the nonleague clubs, Football League and all over the world.
The eventual aim is to auction off the memorabilia at affordable prices with the hope of raising more than £10,000.
Earlier this year, Mark received the Unsung Hero award at National Game Awards. Now he has been shortlisted for a Pride of Britain award backed by the Daily Mirror which, like the Advertiser, is in the Trinity Mirror media group.
Mark said: “This is the most amazing news. I had an interview with ITV on Friday to hopefully go to the next step, but even to make it this far is incredible.
“The interview went well and I now know who I’m up against.
“Let’s put it this way: it’s like I’m in the semi-final of the FA Cup, all the other teams are premier league and I’m the last non-league team left.
“The decision goes to a panel now, it’s a lottery.
“To get through to the next level would be huge for such a small charity and would raise awareness for MECP2.
“I’m just so proud that so many nominated me to get to this stage; the underdog will keep fighting. God bless and one love.”
For more about the Alfie Lund Fund or donate, visit facebook.com/thealfielundfund.
And for more information on MECP2 go to mecp2duplication.uk.org.uk