RUNNER Helen Bloomfield is taking on her biggest challenge yet, the London Marathon in aid of the Help4Harry campaign and Muscular Dystrophy UK.

Helen, who is chairman of the PTA at William Cobbett Primary School, has been inspired to take on this challenge after meeting Weybourne Infants School boy, Harry Barnely, who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

All profits raised from her run will be used to help fund vital research into the disease, and hopefully one day find a cure.

It was often pointed out that Harry’s calves and legs were bigger than most children his age, so family and friends would joke that Harry will soon find his way onto the rugby pitch. Unfortunately Harry couldn’t quite keep up with his friends when running, so after various GP appointments Harry had a blood test.

In June 2013, Harry’s family were told the results and the seriousness of it. More tests were needed but two months later following a muscle biopsy it was confirmed Harry had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

By his 10th birthday it is likely Harry will be in a wheelchair, and his upper body will then begin to shut down due to the painful condition leaving him locked inside his own body.

As a muscular degenerative disease eventually his heart and lungs will fail, almost certainly before he is 30. The most difficult part is there is no cure.

There is a large amount of research currently taking place in the UK and abroad but as yet the only treatment is a steroid program to help manage the disease.

Helen started running in 2013 after her friend suggested that they take part in the Great South Run that year. She then begun training and gradually built up to the 10 miles.

“Last year Harry was in my daughter’s class at school and Sue [Harry’s mother] and Tom [Harry’s father] have become friends of ours. I have attended a number of Help4Harry events and I know the money raised goes towards a terrific charity that helps pay for the vital research into a dreadful disease that receives very little funding.

“Everyone hopes that one day they will find a cure but until then we are all doing all we can to raise money and awareness. In all likelihood this will be my only marathon, so it was important to me to raise some money while doing it and I cannot think of a charity more worthy.”

Kevin Loth, who is currently holidaying in America, is also jumping on the marathon bandwagon, as he limbers up for the marathon in aid of the Help4Harry:

“My training at the moment consists of eating too many pancakes and fried food in Florida, I am on holiday here for another week” he said.

“It really is amazing to see so many people running and cheering for each other and for good causes – it’s a great reminder that despite all the awful things that happen in the world there is still great kindness and support for each other.”