A LEIGH dad will take on his toughest challenge to date nex month in honour of his son and Muscular Dystrophy UK.
After learning of his son's duchenne muscular dystrophy diagnosis six years ago, Kieron Sales admitted that the family's world was torn apart as the condition causes progressive muscle weakness and complications in later life.
As running and raising awareness of the condition became a huge comfort for the 48-year-old following Alfie's diagnosis, Kieron is combining these elements to raise money and awareness Muscular Dystrophy UK in the Wigan half marathon next month.
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Kieron, who works at Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre, said: “Our world was torn apart when Alfie was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy six years ago.
“I found it very hard to deal with, but the continued love and support from our family and friends has given us so much strength.
Helping to make people aware of his condition has become an important focus for me and running is also one of my ‘fixers’ in terms of my mental health.
I think when a rare disease happens to someone in your family, you either sink, just about manage to keep above water, or swim.
I like to believe that we’re really going for it as a family – focusing on creating wonderful memories and not letting it defeat us!”
After taking part in two 10k runs last year, Kieron is currently in training after committed to doubling this distance with the Wigan half marathon on Sunday, March 17.
In what will be his toughest challenge yet, the Leigh dad-of-two has set himself a target to raise as much money and awareness of Muscular Dystrophy UK as possible, while always keeping Alfie in mind.
In addition to his own running challenge and the various fundraising activities he has organised, his children, Alfie, 9, and Mila-Rose, 11, will help him raise further funds with their school friends at Leigh CE Primary School.
On Friday, March 1, the primary school will participate in Muscular Dystrophy UK’s annual 'Go Bright' campaign, where families will donate and children will wear something bright to raise awareness and funds for the charity.
The school is also holding a mini danceathon in the school hall with music chosen by Alfie.
Kieron, who has also started an online blog about being a 'Duchenne' dad', added: "Since Alfie’s diagnosis, our outlook on life as a family is to live for the moment.
“That’s why I’m pushing myself and doing this half marathon. We feel it’s important to give back in recognition of the support we’ve received from various charities that have been there for us.
"Muscular Dystrophy UK is one of those charities and we want to support them so that they can continue to fund groundbreaking research and be there for families like ours, now and in the future.”
To donate to Kieron's fundraiser, you can do so here. More information about Muscular Dystrophy UK can be found here. You can sign up to take part in the 'Go Bright' day here.
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