Castle Lane Day Nursery is helping to raise funds for the charity Duchenne UK, following the diagnosis of one of their own children, Finn, with incurable Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)?
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a rare, incurable genetic disease, which causes progressive muscle wasting and also affects the heart and breathing.
Around 100 boys a year in the UK are diagnosed with this awful disease, but there is no cure and no real treatment.
How does DMD affect Finn?
Finn was diagnosed with DMD in February 2022 at the age of 3.
His parents say “Duchenne will gradually take away Finn’s ability to do the things we all take for granted. This is because his body does not produce a vital protein called dystrophin, which strengthens and protects muscles. He struggles with mobility and fatigue and will increasingly rely on a wheelchair over the course of his childhood.
“Our cheeky, vivacious boy, who makes friends wherever he goes with his gorgeous smile and laugh, will live a shortened, and very different life to the one we had imagined for him, but we are determined to make it the best life possible. You can follow our journey on Instagram @fightforfinn.”
Raising funds for Duchenne UK
Keen to raise awareness of Finn’s condition, his parents commented “We want to do whatever we can to help make sure that everyone with Duchenne gets the best possible care and support, and that in future no family has to go through this.
“That’s why we are raising money for Duchenne UK – to help build awareness and understanding of DMD and to fund research and clinical trials, which could one day save lives.”
The Fight for Finn web page contains more information about how you can help.
Duvet Day for Duchenne UK
Castle Lane have therefore arranged a ‘Duvet Day’ at the nursery on Wednesday 1st March 2023.
This day will consist of low intensity activities including hot chocolate making, baking, art and craft activities, yoga and mindfulness. We suggest a £1 donation for dressing up in pyjamas and having a special day for Finley.
Sponsored walk for Finn
Castle Lane staff have also arranged a 6 mile sponsored walk round Pitsford Reservoir in support of Finn’s condition on Sunday 26th March.
They hope to raise awareness of the condition as well as making money for a charity so close to home.
How to donate to Duchenne UK
If you would like to support Duchenne UK, you can do so by donating via their website.
Alternatively, you can donate cash to the nursery office.
How to support Fight for Finn
To support Finn and his family, you can visit the Fight for Finn web page for more information.
You can also read more Duchenne UK’s duvet days https://www.duchenneuk.org/duvet-days/