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27/02/2010
Doctors said Alby Morris would never walk, but he beat the odds and found his feet. And now his parents are finding theirs – in a charity fun run.
Amy and Keith Morris, from Prudhoe, Northumberland, have organised the first annual Gibside Fun Run in aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.
Their son Alby, who turns two on April 24, was diagnosed with the condition last June. The genetic illness weakens Alby’s muscles and could leave him needing a pacemaker by the time he’s 30.
Medics told Amy and husband Keith, a 35-year-old PE teacher, that their son might never be able to walk. But little Alby was determined to prove everyone wrong – and was toddling by the time he was 18 months old.
Amy, 31, who works as a occupational therapist and also runs her own wedding dress shop, said the diagnosis was a huge shock, but they hope Alby’s condition will not be severe. Fortunately baby sister Ava, five months, does not have the disease.
Since he was diagnosed, Alby’s family have been determined to raise cash for MD research. They hope that medical advances will help Alby conquer the illness as he grows up. In November, a swanky black-tie event at Newcastle’s Assembly Rooms raised over £7,000. And on April 25, the day after Alby’s second birthday, they launch the first-ever fun run at Gibside, Rowland’s Gill.
Amy and Keith have worked directly with the National Trust to organise the five-mile course in the stunning grounds in Gateshead.
They hope the family race, which will raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy campaign, will become an annual fixture in the region’s calendar. But they need 1,000 runners to compete – so they are appealing for Journal readers to come forward.
“We’re hoping the run will be a big success,” Amy said. “We’re aiming it at families and it’s a fun-run rather than a race – we hope people will have fun while raising money for the charity.”
The race costs £10 for adults and £5 for children. Sponsors Northumbrian Water have also provided 1,000 bottles of water for thirsty runners.
Amy added: “We started raising money because it’s really the only thing we can do. As a parent, you are meant to be able to make your child better and it is heartbreaking to know that there is nothing you can do for them.”
For more information and entry forms for the race, visit www.gibsidefunrun.co.uk