Community spirit

Nine-year-old Alex Jordan was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2000. As a thanks to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign for the support they have received over the last four years, the Jordan family decided to take part in the first Great Malvern Walk.

Cal, Martin, Alex and six-year-old Carenza originally couldn't decide who would tackle the eight mile course around the Malvern Hills.

The simplest answer seemed that, since they were all affected by muscular dystrophy, they would all do it. This meant that, although Alex managed to walk some of the way himself, he completed much of the fundraiser in his wheelchair - a fantastic achievement since those hills are quite steep.



Cal Jordan said: "Alex felt really pleased to have completed it (he didn't like the suggestion that we stop at the British Camp because we were running late) but he was really tired having walked some of the way.

"The walk took us nearly six hours and we although we were sponsored for £125 on the day, we've since exceeded that total. We are also having a party in August and we'll be hoping to raise more sponsorship retrospectively.



"The event was a lovely day - we took a picnic and took things at our own pace. We're going to get involved again next year but I don't think we'll push Alex all the way in his wheelchair. We've a number of options open to us - we may help marshall the event, or take a group of Alex's friends with Alex joining us for the last few miles."

Many thanks to all those who took part and helped to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Taking part

Would you like to take part in this year's Great Malvern walk? Please email Penny Weir, Regional Fundraising Manager, at northwales@muscular-dystrophy.org

Helping out

Or you might like to volunteer your time to help us run the event in July 2005.

Find out more about volunteering Back to the West Midlands and North Wales front page.