Family starts fundraising after son diagnosed with life-changing condition

Bid for research to find cure for four-year-old's Muscular Dystrophy

A family has started a fund-raising quest after their young son was diagnosed with a life-changingcondition.

Harrison Loosen discovered that he had muscular dystrophy, a hereditary condition that leads to the weakening and wasting of muscles, just after his fourth birthday in November last year.

His father Philip said his son had been like any other four-year-old, loving to dance and cheer on Reading FC. But he and his wife Julie noticed that Harrison was having trouble walking upstairs, and the child said that he could not run as quickly as his twin brother Connor.

Mr Loosen said the diagnosis was devastating and a major shock for the family.

“There’s no cure for muscular dystrophy. We have learnt to cope with what the situation is now.

“Before this came along, we knew nothing about it. It was something that happened to other people.”

“It brings life into focus. You take it day by day and enjoy every bit of every day and not get worried about silly little things.

“No one’s here for long, make the most of what you can.”

The family, who live in Baughurst, joined Muscular Dystrophy UK and set up a fundraising site to raise awareness of the condition.

“I knew that I had to do something to help raise funds,” Mr Loosen said, adding that the family would do what it could to fund research into a cure for their little boy.

Mr Loosen, who works in the construction industry, has been collecting donations and signing up teams for a charity football match in Thatcham.

The family initially sought to raise £5,000 but has already exceeded the target.

Family and friends rallied to the cause and raised more than £850 through a danceathon and Mr Loosen’s brother is taking on a charity cycle ride.

Persimmon Homes has donated £800 through its Community Champions initiative.

Sales director for Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, Rachel Faulkner, said: “We are proud to be supporting Harrison and his family, as well as thousands of other people around the country suffering from muscle-wasting illnesses.”

The family has organised a charity football tournament and fun day at Thatcham Town Football Club on July 31.

Teams of six can apply, at the cost of £300 per team. Twelve teams have already signed up, with more expected to commit soon.

Family activities at the event include a charity auction and raffle, a bouncy castle, face-painting, barbecue and bar. Kick-off is at 11am. All donations go to Hope4Harrison, which is raising money for Becker muscular dystrophy research at Muscular Dystrophy UK.

To contribute, visit www. musculardystrophy uk.org and search for Hope4Harrison or contact Mr Loosen on 07854 956425 or email philip.loosen@gmail.com