Chariot for Jack

This is a fund raising appeal aimed at raising enough money to buy a local youngster Jack Haggert a specialised powered wheelchair, called "The Chairman 2K". This wheel chaircosts £13000 - so we need your help!

Jack is eleven years old and sufferes from Muscular Dystrophy - a severe muscle wasting disease.

Your donation will not only give Jack greater mobility but also more comfort and perhaps the greatest feeling, that of independence.

Please help the appeal either by donation or giving a raffle prize or voucher; your support will be greatly appreciated. An account is now open at Barclay's bank in Hucclecote.

Thank you again.

Trustees:

Bernard Banks

39 Pinemount Road
Hucclecote
Gloucester
GL3 3EH

Tel: 01452 617605

Tony Wainwright

28 Hillview Road
Hucclecote
Gloucester
GL3 3LG

Tel: 01452 619106

Facts about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe genetic muscle wasting disease.

The condition is caused by deletion of part of the gene which is responsible for producing dystrophin. Dystrophin is a protein that surrounds muscle cells and keeps them healthy and intact.

DMD primarily affects boys; X-chromosome-linked recessive can be caused either by gene mutation or can be inherited through their mothers. (Women can be carriers of DMD but usually exhibit no symptoms).

It is one of several types of muscular dystrophies and neuromuscular conditions and unfortunately is one of the more severe types.

There are no cures or treatments for the condition.

About 1500 boys in the UK are born with this condition each year.

The symptoms of muscular dystrophy are generalized weakness and muscle wasting, firstly affecting the muscles of the hips, pelvic area, thighs and shoulders. Calves are often enlarged.

By the time the boys reach ten years of age (and not normally after) they will have lost the ability to walk, thus rendering them wheelchair bound.

DMD eventually affects all voluntary muscles as well as the heart and breathing muscles.

Boys with DMD from mid to late teens are very susceptible to respiratory illnesses which can often become life threatening.

There is a great deal of research into treatments and cures for this condition but there is still a very long way to go as the majority is theory and tests trialled on clinical models, and therefore a long way off from human trials.

It is vital for a boy with DMD to receive good "preventative" management throughout his life which includes daily physiotherapy, good cardiovascular & respiratory care all from an early age.

Throughout their lives their wheelchair is vital; this is their mobility, which enables them to be more independent. The chair is a vital part of their lives. The chair needs to be comfortable, hold the boy in a good postural position to avoid scoliosis.