East Ilsley boy making a big splash for dad

Six-year-old swims for muscular dystrophy

A SIX-YEAR-OLD from East Ilsley will this month be taking part in a swimathon in an effort to raise funds and support for his father, who has muscular dystrophy.

Keen swimmer Johnny Kaye, along with five of his friends, will be taking to the pool after he decided he wanted to raise money for the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK, to help fund research into the life-limiting condition.

The group, which also includes Johnny’s three-year-old sister Verity, will collectively swim a mile at the Hilton Newbury North pool on May 22, as part of the Move a Mile for Muscles fundraising challenge.

Muscular dystrophy is an inherited condition that causes muscles to weaken and waste over time, leading to increasing and severe disability. After watching Sport Relief, Johnny asked his mother if he could organise a fundraiser to help his dad.

Johnny’s mother, Clare Portman, said: “I’m very proud of him.

“I think it’s wonderful that he took it on himself to do something, and it’s lovely that his friends are joining him and lending their support.

“He’s really good. He always helps out around the house and I think doing this fundraiser gives him a sense of feeling that he can do something to help Pete.

“He’s a good swimmer – he and his friends have all been going to lessons for years. I actually think he’s happier in the water than out of it.”

The friends will each swim a number of laps until the mile is complete, with swimming instructor Helen Shilton on lifeguard duty.

Muscular Dystrophy UK’s volunteer fundraising manager for the South East, Anneke Liefting, said: “We encourage people all over the UK, young and old, to participate in Move a Mile for Muscles.

“Every milestone Johnny makes in his fundraising efforts not only offers such a wonderful support to Johnny’s father but also brings us a step closer in our fight against Becker muscular dystrophy.

“Anyone can take part in Move a Mile for Muscles.

“You can travel the distance however you choose, whether it’s running, swimming, walking or covering a mile that is special to you in your powered wheelchair.

“By joining in and raising funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK, you could help support 70,000 families living with muscle-wasting conditions lives.”

To sponsor Johnny, visit https://www.justgiving.com/ muscles-swim or to find out more about Move a Mile for Muscles visit www.musculardystrophyuk.org or call 0845 872 8058.